Senior High Schools in the Northern Region are likely to give their students an extended vacation due to the non-payment of outstanding feeding grants by the government.
The situation has compelled headmasters of the schools in the region to consider rescheduling Friday’s reopening.
Government has failed to pay feeding grants for the first and second terms of the 2016/2017 academic year as well as the first term of the 2017/2018 academic year, the schools claim.
The Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Education Service, Alhaji Haroon Kambodia told 3News he was doubtful about the January 5 reopening date for the schools as well as when the grant will be paid to the schools.
“Let me be frank with you, I don’t have the slightest idea when the grants would be paid” he said.
He expressed worry at the turn of events, noting it would have consequence on the reopening date and eventually affect academic work.
“There’s nothing the headmasters can do in this situation because their suppliers wouldn’t take anymore excuses and that will affect the academic calendar,” said
Meanwhile, a visit to the Northern School of Business in Tamale Thursday revealed no preparation towards Friday’s reopening.
The usual preparation that heralds school reopening was missing as some staff were seen relaxed with no indication they were ready to welcome the students back from vacation
For now, students will have to stay home until the feeding grants due the schools are paid.
By Zubaida Ismail|3news.com|Ghana