CHASS requests recruitment of non-teaching staff; To deal with increased enrolment
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has made a case for the recruitment of non-teaching staff such as cooks, pantry hands, watchmen and general labourers for senior high schools (SHSs) across the country.
The vacancies have come as a result of the resignation, retirement and death of some of the workers over the years.
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“With increases in enrolment in our schools, the need for such staff cannot be overemphasised,” a communique issued by CHASS at the end of its 57th annual conference held in Takoradi in the Western Region from August 4-10, 2019 stated.
It was on the theme: “Achieving sustainable quality education in Ghana: The role of stakeholders”.
PTAs
The conference also called for the lifting of the suspension placed on the activities of parent-teacher-associations (PTAs), demanding that the Ghana Education Service (GES) expedite action on the restructuring of the associations.
It observed that the continuous suspension of PTAs was denying schools of the much needed support from the association.
“CHASS also appeals to the government to increase the supply of computers to all schools and also ensure the supply of laptops to every classroom teacher to aid in the teaching and learning of information and communication technology (ICT) in schools.
“CHASS reminds the government to release funds, food, teaching and learning materials to schools at least two weeks before reopening to promote quality teaching and learning. Any delays are likely to cause a disruption of the school calendar,” it added.
Appeal
The conference also appealed for funds for schools that used boreholes to ensure regular maintenance of those facilities.
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The communique implored the government to direct the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) to stock its warehouses with adequate food items to prevent shortages and its agents from supplying poor quality food items obtained from the open market to schools.
“Further, NAFCO must engage competent food suppliers who will not abandon their contractual obligations to schools under the pretext of low price offers to create food shortages.
“CHASS urges the government to direct the management of the GES to release retained fees such as library and ICT fees to schools to ensure their effective management,” it said.
Utility bills
On the payment of utilities, the communiqué asked the government to help reduce the stress on schools for having to pre-finance the use of electricity by reconsidering the prepaid policy.
It also reminded the GES of the need to deal expeditiously with the issue of students identity cards because the lack of the cards was creating challenges in schools, saying: “For three years running, students have not been issued with identity cards.”
It further requested a stakeholders’ meeting to streamline the organisation of the National Science and Maths Quiz (NMSQ).
It added that CHASS was also concerned about the low performance of candidates in English Language and Integrated Science in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), including examination malpractices, saying: “We are analysing the issue critically to improve the trend.”
Reminder
It reminded the GES to clear all arrears such as subsidies for final-year students and fees of schools benefiting from the northern scholarship feeding grant without further delays.
“It is the expectation of the 57th annual CHASS conference that the government, and indeed all stakeholders who strive for the achievement of sustainable quality education in the country, will consider, as a matter of urgency, and implement all the issues raised in this communiqué,” it added.
It commended the government for the introduction of what it considered bold, transformative and innovative measures aimed at achieving sustainable quality education in the country.