A member of Parliament’s Select Committee on Education and Akyem Abuakwa South MP, Kingsley Agyemang, has criticised the government over what he describes as a lack of urgency in addressing challenges facing senior high schools.
His comments follow a warning by the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) that schools could shut down if funding challenges are not resolved.
The National Secretary of CHASS, Primus Baro, revealed that many schools are struggling to procure food for students due to delays in the release of funds.
“There is currently no money to supply perishables for the students, and schools are in arrears. If the government does not release the funds, it will be very difficult to run the schools, and we may have no option than to shut them down,” he said.
Reacting to the development, Dr Agyemang accused the government of failing to prioritise education, despite earlier assurances.
“The government promised to provide quality food for students, but that promise has not been honoured,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as poor coordination in addressing food supply challenges, particularly regarding directives to purchase maize from local farmers.
“Even the directive to buy maize to deal with the glut has not been followed through, and that has contributed to the situation we are seeing now,” he added.
Dr Agyemang further claimed that the challenges reflect a broader lack of commitment to key education policies.
“Every Ghanaian can see that this government is not taking education, especially the Free SHS programme, seriously,” he asserted.
However, the Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Joseph Kwame Kumah, offered a different perspective, assuring that steps are being taken to address the situation.
“There is enough food available for students. The process to release funds for perishables is ongoing, and we are confident that the money will be made available soon,” he said.
Some parents who spoke to Adom News also expressed concern over the potential closure of schools and the quality of meals being served to their children.
“We are worried because if schools close, it will affect the children’s education. Government must act quickly,” one parent said.
“Sometimes the children complain about the kind of food they are given. This situation needs urgent attention,” another added.
The concerns come at a time when stakeholders are calling for swift intervention to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar and ensure the welfare of students across the country.
Source: adominline.com
