GES maintains SHS reopening date amid CHASS concerns

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has reaffirmed the reopening date for Senior High Schools (SHSs) as January 3, 2025, despite calls from the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) for a postponement over unresolved financial concerns.  

In a press release issued on January 2, 2025, the Head of the Public Relations Unit at GES, Cassandra Twum Ampofo, reiterated that the 2024/25 academic calendar remains unchanged. She stated, “As previously announced, SHS students are expected to report back to school on January 3, 2025, while primary and Junior High Schools will reopen on January 8, 2025.”

Ms Twum Ampofo added that the GES is actively engaging the Ministry of Education to address the concerns raised by CHASS. “We kindly request that all stakeholders take note of these dates and make necessary arrangements accordingly,” she noted.  

The statement follows a December 31, 2024, appeal from CHASS, urging the government to postpone the reopening date until outstanding debts for food and operational expenses are cleared.  

According to CHASS, the government has failed to respond to three prior appeals—dating back to August 2024—for payment of arrears covering perishables, recurrent fees, and food transportation costs.  

National Secretary of CHASS, Baro Primus, disclosed that all regional branches have been directed to notify parents of a potential delay through parent associations. He warned that any member who defies the directive would face sanctions for undermining their collective position.  

“This is now the fourth appeal to education authorities over the unpaid arrears, with previous letters sent in August, November, and December 2024,” the CHASS statement noted.