The Conference of Heads of Basic Schools is regretting the non-payment of capitation grant implied for the operationalization of basic schools for the past two years.
The association explains that the circumstance is devastating the advancement of teaching and learning in schools.
Addressing Citi News, the General Secretary of the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools, Justice Adu Darko, said they are yet to receive any funds.
"The actual sum is deficient taking a gander at the costs of items of late. The last time it was paid was in 2019/2020. This intends that for 2021, 2022 and presently 2023, we haven't gotten anything. Those running their schools just on capitation are truly languishing. In any case, we met with the Director General of the Ghana Education Service, and he conceded the difficulties and vowed to guarantee that the capitation is delivered on time", he wailed over.
The Minister of Education, early this month, nonetheless, indicated that some GH¢11 million has been released to schools as of November 2022.
The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Merciful Apaak forewarned the government against the defer in the payment of the capitation grants to the various basic schools.
As per the legislator, the delay in releasing the cash is bit by bit imploding the public basic school system.
Dr. Clement Apaak said government should do the needful to turn away the circumstance.
"This is an grant that the heads of basic schools used to obtain basic supplies like chalk, registers, and to participate in basic apparatuses like doors and windows. So when government neglects to make this accessible, the heads of basic schools are constrained to either acquire cash to keep the schools running or to take a some of these things and service on loans. As a matter of fact, this is falling the public basic school system and I believe it's generally lamentable. Government requirements to do the needful," the MP expressed.
The Executive Secretary of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare on Sunday, January 1, 2023, likewise called the Ministry of Finance to release the funds in full to schools.
"l see nothing certain event at the capitation grant in 2023, since, supposing that you take a gander at the labor and products spending plan line of the Ministry of Finance where the capitation grant is really funded, the motivation behind why the grant is deferring is that the Ministry of Finance isn't releasing the goods and services designation to the Ghana Education Service and Ministry of Education," the Executive Secretary of Africa Education Watch said.
He had doubts about the improvement of the capitation grant, wailing over the government's decision to eliminate the grants.
"Last year 2022, GH¢2.92 million was assigned for basic school as far as the goods and services, capitation grants and teacher learning resources, taking care of grants to extraordinary schools, BECE auxiliary, yet when the minister went to Parliament to peruse the 2023 spending plan, under 19% had been dispensed. At this point, under 20% has been dispensed."