The Ghana Education Service (GES) has suspended Solomon Sarpong Bagmae, headmaster of Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region, after he publicly
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has suspended Solomon Sarpong Bagmae, headmaster of Nkwanta Senior High School in the Oti Region, after he publicly appealed for food support to feed his students writing the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The directive, signed by Acting Oti Regional Director of Education, Irene Jacquelina Attabra, ordered Bagmae to step aside with immediate effect, hand over all school property and administrative duties, and refrain from making further public statements while investigations are conducted.
According to the GES, the headmaster engaged the media on August 4, 2025, without prior authorisation to solicit donations for the school.
The GES said the move breached administrative protocols and could undermine public confidence in school management systems.
The suspension is intended to pave the way for what GES described as an “independent and objective investigation.” Officials say further action will depend on the findings of the probe.
Hunger in the Classroom
Behind the disciplinary action lies a more troubling crisis — an ongoing shortage of food for students in the conflict-hit Nkwanta South area.
Authorities at Nkwanta SHS, Community Senior High Technical School, and Kyabobo Senior High School have all reported urgent challenges in feeding their WASSCE candidates.
The problem is partly due to a sudden surge in candidate numbers. Continued ethnic and political tensions in the area have forced many students from neighbouring communities to relocate and register at these schools, stretching their already limited resources.
The unrest has disrupted transport routes and food supply chains, making it difficult for schools to receive regular deliveries of essential provisions.
Teachers say the situation is beginning to take a toll on the physical health and mental focus of the students, many of whom are facing the most critical examination of their academic lives.
The Appeal That Sparked Controversy
Bagmae, in his now-controversial interview, told reporters that the school’s food reserves were inadequate for the increased student population.
He warned that without urgent intervention, candidates could face nutritional challenges that might hinder their performance in the WASSCE.
“With the right support, our students will be in a better position to face the WASSCE,” he said, noting that the ongoing Nkwanta South conflict had destabilised the wider community and further strained school resources.
However, instead of drawing a swift humanitarian response, his public plea drew the attention of GES officials, who cited breaches of official communication procedures and took disciplinary action.
COMMENTS