“Now talk to me about your challenges” – President elect Mahama to SHS Heads

“Now talk to me about your challenges” – President elect Mahama to SHS Heads

In a call for transparency and cooperation, President-elect John Dramani Mahama has urged the Headmasters of Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana to openly discuss the challenges their institutions are facing, so that his government can work with relevant stakeholders to find lasting solutions.

Mahama’s appeal comes amid growing concerns over the financial challenges facing schools in the country, particularly regarding the upcoming reopening of schools for the 2025 academic year. The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) recently issued a statement calling on the Ministry of Education to reconsider the January 3, 2025, resumption date. The group is urging that the reopening be delayed until outstanding financial obligations to schools and suppliers are fully settled.

CHASS has highlighted the persistent financial issues, including unpaid arrears, that are hindering the operations of many schools. According to the group, the current financial strain could cause significant disruptions to the smooth reopening of schools if the situation is not addressed before the scheduled date. In their letter to the Ministry of Education, CHASS emphasized the urgency of settling these debts to ensure that schools can function effectively and students can return to a conducive learning environment.

In response to these concerns, Mahama, who is set to be inaugurated as president on January 7, 2025, shared a video through Yayra Koku, a prominent member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), in which he urged SHS headmasters to voice their issues. He emphasized that once he assumes office, his government will work collaboratively with stakeholders to address these challenges, ensuring that Ghana’s second-cycle institutions are adequately supported.

Mahama further reiterated the stance of the NDC, which has long criticized the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration for allegedly silencing school heads on the difficulties they face under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. The NDC has committed to resolving these issues and ensuring that school leaders have the opportunity to speak freely about the challenges their schools face.

The Green Ghana Project, one of the current administration’s flagship initiatives, has also been under scrutiny, with many Ghanaians questioning how the funds allocated to education and the Green Ghana project are being spent. Mahama’s promise to address these issues will be closely watched by the public, particularly as the country grapples with financial constraints that have affected numerous sectors.

As the clock ticks down to the start of the new academic year and Mahama’s swearing-in, all eyes are on the incoming government to see how they will navigate the pressing concerns raised by CHASS and other educational stakeholders. For now, Mahama’s call for transparency offers a glimmer of hope to school administrators and the public, as they await the government’s next steps in resolving these long-standing issues.