FAHASS demands payment of outstanding transfer grants, allowances for assistant heads

The Forum of Assistant Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (FAHASS) has urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to remit outstanding transfer grants and responsibility allowances owed to its members. The association's National President, Dzandza Isaac Mandy, highlighted that numerous assistant heads transferred in 2021 have yet to receive their transfer grants, which have been overdue for over four years.

The transfer grant, as per GES regulations, is intended to offset the costs associated with relocation when a staff member is appointed or transferred. Mandy also emphasized the importance of responsibility allowances, which are supplementary financial packages for staff handling additional leadership and administrative responsibilities.

These roles include assistant headmasters and mistresses, among others, and are stipulated in GES regulations. However, Mandy expressed that many of his colleagues still receive allowances based on their previous positions, such as form masters or house masters, rather than their current roles as assistant heads. In his address at the FAHASS National Conference and Workshop in Kumasi, Mandy described the current situation as unfair and demoralizing.

FAHASS, he noted, emerged to provide professional recognition, collaboration, and capacity building for assistant heads, who are seen as the backbone of secondary schools and quality-control officers. The conference, which brought together assistant heads from across the nation, also addressed broader challenges such as unclear career progression paths, inadequate office facilities, limited training opportunities, and other welfare-related issues.

The conference's theme, "Resetting Second-Cycle Education for Quality Learning Outcomes: The Role of Assistant Heads," underscored the critical role these educators play in enhancing educational standards.