By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Feb. 14, GNA – The Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS) in the Volta Region has called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to urgently address critical challenges affecting the smooth operation of public Basic schools.
Speaking at a press conference in Ho, Mr Vincent Stephen Gordor Stephen, Chairman of COHBS in the Volta Region, highlighted some major concerns.
Lack of textbooks for the Standard-Based and Common Core Curriculum, delay and inadequacy of Capitation Grants, severe shortage of furniture in schools, indiscipline, among others.
Mr Gordor stated that the absence of textbooks under the new Standard-Based Curriculum is affecting effective teaching and learning in public schools.
“As we speak, we only have textbooks for four subject, Mathematics, English, Science, and Creative Art, from Kindergarten to Basic 8. What happens to the rest of the subjects? How do we teach effectively? How do our learners study?” he questioned.
He called on the government to urgently supply the required textbooks to schools to ensure quality education delivery.
The COHBS Chairman also expressed frustration over the inconsistent and inadequate release of Capitation Grants, which were meant to support the smooth running of basic schools.
“Many schools have lost count of the number of unpaid tranches of the Capitation Grant. Running public basic schools under these conditions is extremely difficult,” he lamented.
COHBS urged the government to not only ensure the timely release of these grants but increase their amount to meet the growing demands of schools.
Another major concern raised was the severe lack of furniture in schools, with many students sitting on broken chairs, benches, or even on the floor to learn.
“Despite our efforts, many schools still struggle with inadequate or broken furniture, which is negatively impacting learning conditions,” Mr. Gordor said.
COHBS called on the government, corporate organizations, and philanthropic individuals to come to their aid by providing the needed furniture for schools.
Beyond infrastructure and funding challenges, COHBS also expressed deep concern over the growing trend of indiscipline in schools, describing it as a national threat.
“Vandalism, bullying, and general misconduct are becoming rampant. The behavior of some learners today is far from the values of future leadership,” Mr. Gordor noted.
He emphasised the need for stakeholders, including parents and school authorities, to take immediate action to curb this trend before it escalates further.
COHBS stressed that these issues are not new, as several appeals to successive governments have gone unaddressed.
They urged the Ministry of Education and GES to take decisive action to resolve these challenges and improve education in the Volta Region.
GNA