The future of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme is now uncertain after negotiations between the Ministry of Education and key implementing agencies broke down on Friday, 17th April 2026.
A high-level meeting convened by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aimed at resolving the escalating food supply challenges in schools, ended without agreement. Following the deadlock, school heads have issued a serious warning, indicating that secondary schools may be forced to shut down if urgent financial support is not provided. A meeting at the Ministry brought together key stakeholders, including the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), the National Food Buffer Stock Company, and GETFund, to address ongoing food supply challenges.
The main issue centred on delays in funding for perishable items like meat, eggs, and vegetables. Although the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, proposed that CHASS be allowed to source these items independently through GETFund support, no agreement was reached.
School heads say they are struggling to feed students as supplies decline and costs rise, often relying on personal funds or credit. With the deadlock unresolved, CHASS has warned of a possible school shutdown if urgent financial support is not provided, putting academic activities and WASSCE preparations at risk.