The President of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), Mr Samuel Ofori-Adjei, is worried about what he says is an emerging perception that the association is up in arms against the government. According to him, CHASS would never stand against the Ghana Education Service or the Ministry of Education since they are together working as partners with the desire to bring progress into the country’s educational system. Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning programme Wednesday in a telephone interview, Mr Ofori-Adjei explained that CHASS was advocating for an extension in the reopening date for fresh students yet to be admitted into Senior High Schools because of inadequate accommodation facilities. He said additional time would enable heads of schools prepare adequately to accommodate the fresh students, adding that even in schools where classrooms are ready, there are still problems with furniture and other classroom facilities which would also take some time to be provided. “If the classroom blocks are ready, will the students be standing in those rooms?” the CHASS President, who is also the Headmaster of Accra Academy questioned. The GES on Tuesday turned down the request, insisting that ‘freshers’ reopen on 15th October as originally scheduled. Though GES Head of Public Affairs Charles Parker Allotey said there may not be the need to hold fresh students at home since work on classroom blocks in almost all schools are near completion, Mr Ofori-Adjei said about 50% of schools will not be ready for admission in terms of infrastructure by the reopening date of October 15. “…It’s not a question of we saying we don’t want to reopen on 15th, I can reopen …in Accra Academy …but what happens to the large number of schools out there?” he asked. Mr Adjei noted that since the academic year is about 40 weeks, schools can make-up for the weeks that would be lost should there be a short postponement. He appealed to the populace to understand issues the association raises before engaging in unwarranted criticisms. “The populace must understand us before they start making comments as if we are up in arms against the government and we don’t want to support government; that is wrong,” the obviously irritated Mr Adjei said. He added, “Please, let’s look at what we are saying objectively, the number of days we are talking about should not be in contention, I am surprised at the turn that this thing is taking, I’m surprised …” By: Dorcas Efe Mensah/myjoyonline.com/Ghana