GES Confirms No Change in SHS Reopening Date, Despite Financial Backlog

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that senior high schools (SHS) across the country will reopen as planned today, January 3, 2025, despite calls from the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) for a postponement.

In a letter to the Ministry of Education last December, CHASS urged that the reopening be delayed due to unresolved financial issues, which they claim need to be addressed before students can safely return to school.

CHASS emphasized that several outstanding debts, including those owed to service providers and institutions involved in the education sector, should be settled to ensure a smooth and effective reopening.

However, in a statement issued by the GES, the Education Ministry assured the public that the previously scheduled date would stand.

The statement from the GES noted that while the ministry acknowledges the concerns raised by CHASS, it is actively engaging with the relevant authorities to clear all financial obligations.

The GES assured that the necessary steps are being taken to resolve these issues promptly.

Despite the ongoing financial discussions, the reopening of schools will proceed as planned, and students will begin the academic year today.

The GES, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is committed to ensuring that the education system remains on track, despite the challenges presented.

While the disagreement between CHASS and the GES over the reopening date remains a topic of conversation, both parties agree that education must continue without further delay.

As schools reopen, the Ghanaian public will be closely watching to see how the outstanding financial issues are addressed in the coming weeks.

For now, students, teachers, and school staff are preparing for the resumption of classes, with the hope that the necessary resources and support will soon be provided to ensure a successful and uninterrupted academic year.