Government to Release 31-Day Feeding Funds for Senior High Schools – CHASS

The General Secretary of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS), Primus Baro, has confirmed that the government will release feeding funds for 31 days to Senior High Schools (SHSs) by Friday, January 17, 2025.

This move is part of an emergency intervention to address the ongoing food shortages faced by SHSs across the country. Mr. Baro explained that the funding is intended to cover the immediate needs of both day and boarding students.

“It is for 31 days as instructed by the president. Once we address the current situation, we will have a clearer direction for future steps,” he said.

Mr. Baro further shared that, in a recent meeting with government officials, it was revealed that efforts have been made to deliver food supplies directly to the schools. As part of these efforts, President John Mahama had ordered the redistribution of food meant for victims of last year’s drought in the northern region to SHSs. The supplies are currently stored at Tema Port.

“Out of the 18 food items required, only two are available in the warehouse,” Mr. Baro disclosed, adding that while additional supplies are on their way, the government has decided to provide emergency funding to cover the 31-day period. This funding will allow schools to source food locally and address the food crisis immediately.

Mr. Baro assured that the funds and supplies would be delivered to schools by the end of the week. He also noted that Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has pledged to engage in wider consultations with education stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the recurring challenges faced by SHSs.

“There will be a wider executive education forum to address these issues, and we are hopeful that the government will provide interim solutions during this one-month relief period. The feeding and funding for schools must not be delayed further,” he stressed.