The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) in the Western North Region has revealed that approximately 137,000 newly admitted senior high school students are yet to report to school due to financial challenges faced by their parents, particularly those engaged in cocoa farming.
Despite schools reopening for fresh SHS students on December 4, 2023, a little over half of the total candidates placed in schools in the Western North Region are still to enroll.
Nana Amo Amankwah, the President of CHASS in the Western North Region, expressed concern about the situation, stating, “The Western Regional Director of Education gave an update that about 137,000 students have not taken up their admissions yet. According to them, they are facing financial challenges.”
Amankwah urged the students to overlook the requirements listed on the prospectus and promptly report to a school, emphasizing that the government has made provisions for a smooth academic session.
He reassured them, saying, “They should not think about the items on the prospectus so long as they can get a towel and sponge; they should come.”
A recent study conducted by Africa Education Watch revealed that expenses incurred by parents on prospectuses and other items outweigh the costs covered by the government under the Free Senior High School program.
The education think tank reported that parents spent GH¢2,477 on prospectuses for their wards in boarding schools, with an additional GH¢4,000 on personal items, including provisions, transportation, books, upkeep, and personal effects during the 2023/2023 academic year.
