CHASS warns schools may shut over Free SHS feeding crisis

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has issued a stark warning that secondary schools could be forced to shut down if urgent financial support is not provided to sustain feeding operations under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme.

The warning follows a meeting convened by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, that ended in a stalemate after stakeholders failed to agree on measures to address a worsening food-supply crisis in schools.

The discussions, held at the ministry’s headquarters, brought together key stakeholders, including the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), the National Food Buffer Stock Company, and the GETFund.

At the centre of the impasse is the procurement of perishable food items such as vegetables, meat, and eggs, which have become difficult to source due to delays in funding.

In an effort to resolve the issue, the minister proposed that GETFund maintain an arrangement allowing CHASS to independently procure perishable items. However, the parties were unable to reach a consensus.

The deadlock follows a formal petition by CHASS and the Conference of Principals of Technical Institutions (COPTI), who have raised concerns over dwindling supplies from the National Food Buffer Stock Company and the impact of inflation on already constrained school budgets.

CHASS has warned that without immediate funding to procure essential food supplies, schools may be compelled to send students home—an outcome that could disrupt the academic calendar and preparations for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

Headteachers have reportedly resorted to using personal funds and relying on credit from local suppliers to ensure students continue to receive meals.

With negotiations stalled, concerns are growing over the sustainability of the programme’s feeding component, which supports more than 1.2 million students nationwide.

Stakeholders are expected to reconvene in the coming days as efforts continue to find a lasting solution to the crisis.