The Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) has called on parents and guardians to assist with food shortages in senior high schools across Ghana. The request follows ongoing difficulties in providing adequate meals for students.

Despite previous appeals to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to reconsider the reopening of schools due to unresolved financial issues, including outstanding payments for perishable food from the previous year, the GES has rejected these requests.

With schools now back in session, CHASS National Secretary, Primus Baro, expressed concern over the worsening food situation, particularly in northern Ghana. He confirmed that many institutions are being forced to ration food, leaving schools with inadequate supplies.

Speaking to JoyNews on January 8, Baro urged parents to send their children with food items, such as gari, shitor, and sugar, to supplement the limited provisions at schools. He highlighted the severity of the issue, particularly in the Upper West, Upper East, and Northern regions, where essential items like oil, maize, and beans are unavailable. In some cases, schools have resorted to using margarine as a substitute for cooking oil.

Baro emphasized that despite these challenges, schools continue to operate based on previous practices, where students bring food from home. He called on parents to be proactive in ensuring their children have enough sustenance.

The Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, launched by the previous administration under President Nana Akufo-Addo, has faced criticism over the years for its implementation issues, such as overcrowded facilities and inconsistent food supplies. However, newly-elected President John Mahama has promised to revitalise the programme rather than abolish it.

Source:TheDotNews