By Adnan Adams Mohammed
The leadership of private Senior High Schools (SHSs) has issued a stern appeal to the government, demanding a complete overhaul of the disbursement process for the Free SHS student allowances.
At a press briefing held on Sunday, Prof. Richard Asiedu, a prominent representative of the private SHS sector, warned that the current administrative bottlenecks are threatening the operational stability of participating institutions.
A Call for Timely Action
Prof. Asiedu highlighted that while the Free SHS policy remains a cornerstone of national development, the chronic delay in releasing funds has placed an “unbearable” burden on school administrators.
“We are calling on the government to ensure that student allowances are released in a timely manner,” Prof. 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.”
Cutting the Red Tape
Beyond the timing of the payments, the representative took aim at the complex procedural hurdles required to access the funds. He argued that the current system is mired in excessive paperwork and redundant verification steps that serve no purpose other than to stall 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.”
Key Concerns Raised:
● Operational Strain: Private schools lack the deep reserves of state-run institutions to buffer against long payment gaps.
● Resource Allocation: Delays impact the procurement of teaching materials and the fulfillment of utility obligations.
● Process Efficiency: A plea for the Ministry of Education to modernize the auditing and transfer systems.
The Ministry of Education has yet to issue an official response to the latest demands. However, sources within the Ministry suggest that a review of the disbursement portal is currently underway to address the concerns of private stakeholders.
