The Conference of Heads of Second Cycle Schools (CHASS) has commended the government for the creation of a dedicated source of funding for free SHS by uncapping Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
That, it said was to make adequate resources available to resolve perineal challenges in schools.
“We are grateful to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education for a stable, uninterrupted Academic Calendar, especially restoring the calendar to the Pre-Covid era.
Again, the publication of a new Scheme of Service that decouples "POST" from "RANK" in the Ghana Education Service in order to allow teachers to progress beyond the rank of Deputy Director is highly commendable.
“We further commend the Hon. Minister for Education for the timely initiative to convene the all-important National Conference on Stemming the Growing Indiscipline in Schools in July 2026; particularly for the declaration of a Zero-tolerance policy on violence, bullying and any criminal conduct in secondary institutions,” the conference said in a communique issued at the end of its 64th Annual National Conference in the Volta Region.
The communique, jointly signed by the President of CHASS, Rev. Fr. Stephen Owusu Sekyere, and the General Secretary, Primus Baro, was on the theme: "Student Discipline in a Challenging World: Context, Challenges and a Constructive Way Forward."
Charging units
The school heads requested the immediate supply of the charging units to all schools to enable the students to charge their tablets supplied them.
It contended that the supply of tablets to students without the charging units was a threat to the safety of school facilities since unregulated charging of tablets was a probable cause for the rampant fire outbreaks in schools.
“We also urge the Ministry of Education to direct the supplier of the tablets to deactivate social media functions on the tablets, to ensure they remain strictly dedicated to educational purposes.
"We further recommend the reintroduction of textbooks to students instead of the reliance on tablets," the
Commendations
CHASS said it appreciated the government for its continuous efforts to advance the course of secondary education and the Free SHS policy in particular.
It commended the government for the creation of a dedicated source of funding for free SHS by uncapping Ghana Education Trust Fund to make adequate resources available to resolve perineal challenges in schools.
"We are grateful to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education for a stable, uninterrupted academic calendar, especially restoring the calendar to the Pre-COVID era.
"Again, the publication of a new Scheme of Service that decouples "post" from "rank" in the Ghana Education Service in order to allow teachers to progress beyond the rank of Deputy Director is highly commendable.
Minister
"We further commend the Minister for Education for the timely initiative to convene the all-important National Conference on Stemming the Growing Indiscipline in Schools in July 2026; particularly for the declaration of a Zero-tolerance policy on violence, bullying and any criminal conduct in Secondary Institutions," it said.
It said CHASS recognised the government's effort in securing a World Bank Facility of $300m to improve infrastructure in schools and particularly to end the double track system by 2028.
"We strongly urge the government to expedite measures to fully achieve this target through the provision of new facilities, completion of stalled projects and supply of furniture.
"Transitioning to a unified single-track calendar will significantly lower operational costs, reduce stress on staff and infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted implementation of the curriculum," it said.
Leadership
The communique lauded heads of schools for the demonstration of extraordinary leadership, courage, resilience and sacrifice in managing the schools in spite of the myriads of challenges.
"Equally, we recognize the invaluable contributions of teachers, non-teaching staff, and other stakeholders in the management of Senior High Schools.
"Finally, CHASS commends the Hon. Minister for Education for the assurances given to resolve challenges confronting Senior High Schools in Ghana, including ending the double track system and ensuring timely and regular release of funds," it said.
