The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed the headmaster of Nkwanta Senior High School (SHS), Solomon Sarpong Bagmae, to step aside with immediate effect.

This comes after he is alleged to have sought an unauthorised public appeal for assistance to feed students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to the directive signed by Acting Oti Regional Director of Education, Irene Jacquelina Attabra, Mr Bagmae is accused of engaging the media on August 4, 2025, to solicit public support without prior approval from the GES.

The GES stated that the decision is to allow an independent and objective investigation into the matter.

Mr Bagmae has been ordered to hand over all school property and administrative responsibilities to the Regional Director of Education and refrain from making public comments while the probe continues.

GES noted that further instructions will be issued after the investigation is concluded.

Background

Authorities at Nkwanta Senior High School, Community Senior High Technical School, and Kyabobo Senior High School in the Oti Region have appealed for urgent support to provide food for their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) candidates.

The appeal follows a surge in candidate numbers across the three schools, attributed to the ongoing conflict in the area.

The unrest has disrupted normal life and supply chains, posing severe challenges to school operations, particularly food provision.

Headmaster of Nkwanta SHS, Solomon Sarpong Bagmae, expressed concern about the well-being of the students preparing for their final examinations.

He said the increased candidate population has overwhelmed the school’s food supply, a situation that could negatively impact students’ concentration and performance.

“With the right support, our students will be in a better position to face the WASSCE,” Mr Bagmae said.

He added that the Nkwanta South conflict has not only destabilised the wider community but also strained resources at the school level.