A spokesperson for former Education Minister Yaw Osei Adutwum, Kwame Darko, has stated that a dispute between the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) over the admission numbers of about 60,000 students has caused a delay in the release of funds needed for smooth school administration and daily operations. This delay has left some senior high schools across Ghana relying on credit to stay afloat. The spokesperson described the situation as a "turf war" between the two bodies.
According to Opoku Mensah, government funds intended to support current Form Two students under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme have not reached schools, leading to operational challenges. Some schools have resorted to selling items that were previously distributed to students at no cost, such as school uniforms and housedresses, as a quiet form of protest against the funding shortfall. This situation has raised concerns about the impact on students and parents.
The dispute has also led to some heads of schools being warned against speaking publicly about the funding difficulties, under threat of dismissal. Opoku Mensah cautioned that if the standoff between the Ministry and GES is not resolved soon, some schools could be forced to shut down. The Free SHS programme, which covers tuition, boarding, feeding, and other costs for public senior high school students, has faced questions over funding and logistics as enrolment numbers have grown.
This latest dispute adds to a string of concerns raised about the education sector in recent weeks. Reports from EduWatch have highlighted rising exam malpractice, and allegations from the National Association of Graduate Teachers claim that politicians have been pressuring WAEC officials over exam results. The Education Ministry has announced a furniture procurement drive aimed at helping senior high schools still operating on the double-track system.
The delay in funding has significant implications for students and parents. If the funding delay persists, schools that have resorted to credit to keep running may pass costs on to students in the form of fees for items that used to be free, such as uniforms and housedresses. Parents and guardians of Form Two students under Free SHS could feel the effects most directly, as the funds in question are meant to support that cohort.
Neither the Ministry of Education nor the Ghana Education Service has publicly responded to the allegations at the time of this report, and no timeline has been given for resolving the dispute over the 60,000 admission numbers or for releasing the delayed funds. The situation remains a challenge for the education sector in Ghana.
The Free SHS programme has been under scrutiny for its funding and administration. The programme's sustainability has been questioned due to growing enrolment numbers. The current dispute highlights the need for a resolution to ensure the smooth operation of schools and the well-being of students.
Key points
- A dispute between Ghana's Education Ministry and Ghana Education Service over 60,000 student admissions has delayed funds for schools.
- The delay has forced some schools to operate on credit, and some items previously distributed for free are now being sold to students.
- If the standoff persists, some schools may face closure, and students and parents may bear the brunt of the funding shortfall.
