Gov't pays 75% of outstanding absorbed fees

The Ministry of Education has paid 75 percent of the total outstanding fees absorbed by the government to Senior Secondary Schools (SSS).

The remaining 25 percent would be paid before the end of the third term.

Mr. James Berko, National President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), who made this known to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview in Kumasi on Thursday, said cheques for the money were released to schools on Monday, June 2.

He, however, could not immediately give the figure representing the 75 percent of the total outstanding fees.

He said even though CHASS demanded 100 percent payment of all outstanding absorbed fees, it took into consideration financial difficulties facing the government and decided to accept the 75 percent in the meantime to run the schools.

Mr. Berko said the release of the funds had enabled the schools to pay off some of their debts to suppliers and ensured the smooth running.

He observed that CHASS did not close down schools on May 31 as was indicated in their resolution adopted at their last extraordinary meeting due to the assurances by the sector Minister that the money would be released by the first week of June.

Mr. Berko said the Headmasters were not interested in sending students home but just wanted the money to ensure smooth running.

He noted that CHASS had faith in the assurances by the Minister, Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu that a technical committee was being set up to ensure timely release of the absorbed fees.

The CHASS President expressed the hope that the remaining 25 percent would be released on time to ensure uninterrupted academic work