Free SHS Secretariat forwards GH¢5m to schools for electricity bills
The move is to prevent the ECG from taking further action against schools that are owing.
The situation described highlights a complex interplay between the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Free SHS Secretariat, and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) regarding outstanding debts owed by Senior High Schools (SHSs) for electricity consumption.
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Immediate Measures: The Free SHS Secretariat has intervened to prevent further disconnection of schools by scheduling a meeting with the ECG to discuss the total indebtedness of SHSs within ECG's operational areas. This is a temporary measure to ensure that schools do not face disruptions in their electricity supply.
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Meeting to Address Indebtedness: The scheduled meeting between the Free SHS Secretariat and the ECG aims to find a permanent solution to the issue of outstanding debts. By discussing the total indebtedness of SHSs, both parties can assess the extent of the problem and work towards resolving it.
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Challenges in Collating Figures: Mr. William Boateng, the Director of Communication of the ECG, mentioned challenges in providing the total amount owed by schools due to the dispersed nature of cases across districts and regions. This indicates a need for improved record-keeping and coordination between educational institutions and utility providers.
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Disconnection of Accra Academy: Accra Academy faced disconnection due to its outstanding electricity debt, highlighting the seriousness of the issue. However, the school has been reconnected following assurances from the Free SHS Secretariat.
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Public Sentiment and ECG's Response: There is public concern that ECG's actions could negatively impact students. However, Mr. Boateng defended ECG's actions, emphasizing the need for payment to sustain operations and investments in modernizing infrastructure.
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ECG's Nationwide Operation: ECG recently undertook an operation to clamp down on power theft and collect outstanding arrears from customers, including schools. This underscores the broader challenge of ensuring compliance with payment obligations across various customer segments.
Overall, the situation underscores the importance of addressing outstanding debts owed by SHSs to utility providers like the ECG. Collaborative efforts between educational authorities and utility companies are crucial to finding sustainable solutions and ensuring uninterrupted services for schools.
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