CHASS Urges Ghana Government to Release Delayed Free SHS Funds and Settle School Arrears

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) issued a communiqué on Oct 17, 2026, urging the Ghanaian government to release pending funds to senior high schools, settle outstanding arrears and review tax and procurement measures that the association says are adding financial pressure on schools.

Funding delays and arrears

At its 64th Annual National Conference, held at Mawuli School in Ho, Volta Region, CHASS identified delayed disbursement of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme as its primary challenge. The association noted that funds for first‑year students had been withheld throughout the 2025/2026 academic year despite the existence of a dedicated funding source that CHASS had advocated for.

The communiqué, signed by Rev. Fr. Stephen Owusu‑Sekyere, President of CHASS, and Mr. Primus Baro, Secretary, called for a more reliable funding arrangement and for the full payment of legacy recurrent grants accrued between 2021 and 2024, which schools need to clear longstanding debts to suppliers and other creditors.

Emergency food procurement and tax review

CHASS also highlighted that heads of schools had been authorised by the Director‑General of the Ghana Education Service to procure food for students in November and December 2025, yet the funds required to pay suppliers had not been released. Some suppliers were reportedly pursuing school heads for payment despite the procurement being officially authorised.

“We appeal to the Government to review these measures to ensure that adequate funds are available to schools,” the communiqué stated.

The association urged the government to settle the outstanding food‑procurement bills without further delay and to review Value Added Tax (VAT) on basic academic resources and perishable food items, which it said exacerbate schools’ financial difficulties.

CHASS reaffirmed its commitment to improving student discipline and academic performance, emphasizing that adequate and timely resources are essential for effective school administration.