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

Bagmae is expected to aid investigation into his alleged appeal for public support to feed candidates 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, Bagmae is accused of engaging the media on August 4, 2025, to appeal for public support without prior approval from the GES.

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

Bagmae has, therefore, been asked to hand over all school properties and administrative responsibilities to the Regional Director of Education and refrain from making public comments while the probe continued.

GES assured that further instructions will be issued after the investigation was conducted.

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 challenge was attributed to the ongoing conflict in the area.

The conflict has affected and disrupted many livelihoods and the activities of the residents, including students, posing challenges to school operations, particularly food provision, among others.

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 had 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,” he said.

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