By Lawrence Odoom/Phalonzy
The leadership of Private Senior High Schools (SHSs) has issued an emphatic appeal to government, calling for a comprehensive overhaul of the disbursement mechanism for Free SHS student allowances.
At a press briefing convened last Friday, Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu, a distinguished voice within the private SHS sector, cautioned that prevailing administrative bottlenecks are jeopardizing the operational viability of participating institutions.
Dr. Asiedu underscored that while the Free SHS policy remains a pivotal pillar of national development, the protracted delays in releasing funds have imposed an “unbearable” strain on school administrators.
“We are calling on the government to ensure that student allowances are released in a timely manner,” Dr. Asiedu stated. “The current lag between the commencement of the term and the receipt of funds is simply unsustainable for private partners who rely on this liquidity to manage daily operations.”
Beyond the tardiness of payments, the representative decried the labyrinthine procedural hurdles required to access funds. He contended that the existing system is ensnared in excessive documentation and redundant verification protocols that serve only to impede progress.
“It is time to reduce the bureaucracy of payment processing,” he urged. “We need a streamlined, transparent digital framework that allows for rapid disbursement. Our focus should be on educating the next generation, not navigating a labyrinth of administrative red tape just to keep our doors open.”
The concerns raised highlight that private schools lack the extensive financial reserves of state-run institutions to withstand prolonged payment gaps. These delays severely cripple the procurement of essential teaching materials and the settlement of utility obligations. There is therefore an urgent call for the Ministry of Education to modernize auditing and fund transfer systems to prevent further disruption.
The Ministry of Education is yet to issue an official response to the latest demands. However, sources within the Ministry indicate that a review of the disbursement portal is currently underway to address the grievances of private stakeholders.