Hot Source…Over fundraising for conflict-stricken schools
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the Headmaster of Nkwanta Senior High School (SHS) in the Oti Region, Solomon Sarpong Bagmae, to step aside with immediate effect for appealing for funds to feed students affected by the ongoing conflict in and around the Oti Regional capital, Nkwanta.
The decision follows allegations that Mr Bagmae sought an unauthorized public appeal for assistance to feed students sitting the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The matter comes in the wake of urgent appeals from authorities at Nkwanta SHS, Community Senior High Technical School, and Kyabobo Senior High School in the Oti Region for support to feed their WASSCE candidates.
According to a directive signed by the Acting Oti Regional Director of Education, Irene Jacquelina Attabra, Mr Bagmae is accused of engaging the media on 4 August 2025 to solicit public support without prior approval from the GES.
The GES stated that the move was intended to facilitate an independent and objective investigation into the matter, and ordered Mr Bagmae to hand over all school property and administrative responsibilities to the Regional Director of Education.
He has also been instructed to refrain from making any public statements while the probe continues.
Excerpt of the GES directive reads“I am directed by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service to instruct you to step aside from your duties as Headmaster of Nkwanta Senior High School, Nkwanta South Municipal, with immediate effect.
This directive follows your alleged unauthorised media engagement on 4 August 2025, during which you reportedly solicited public support for the feeding of students during the ongoing WASSCE without prior approval.
To enable an independent and objective investigation, you are to cease all official functions and refrain from making any public statements on the matter.
You are further required to hand over all school property and administrative responsibilities to the Regional Director of Education immediately, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Further instructions will be communicated in due course.”
The GES noted that additional directions will be issued after the investigation is concluded.
The appeal follows a surge in candidate numbers across the three schools, attributed to the ongoing conflict in the area.
The unrest has disrupted daily life and supply chains, creating significant challenges for school operations, particularly in food provision.
Mr Bagmae had earlier voiced concern over the welfare of students preparing for their final examinations, noting that the increased candidate population had overwhelmed the school’s food supplies, a situation he feared could undermine students’ concentration and performance.
“With the right support, our students will be in a better position to face the WASSCE,” he said, adding that the Nkwanta South conflict had not only destabilised the wider community but also stretched resources at the school level.
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