The Ghana Education Service (GES) has directed Solomon Sarpong Bagmae, Headmaster of Nkwanta Senior High School in the Nkwanta South Municipality, to step aside from his duties with immediate effect.
The suspension, issued by Acting Oti Regional Director of Education Mrs Irene Jacqueline Bra, follows allegations that Mr Bagmae engaged the media without authorisation on August 4, 2025, to solicit public support for feeding students sitting the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
According to the GES, his public comments expressing concern over the welfare of final-year students were “inappropriate” and breached communication protocols.
The directive is intended to pave the way for an independent investigation. Mr Bagmae has been instructed to:
• Cease all official duties.
• Avoid making any public statements on the matter.
• Hand over all school property and administrative responsibilities to the Regional Director of Education.
In a statement issued on August 5, the GES said:
“This directive follows your alleged unauthorised media engagement on August 4, 2025, during which you reportedly solicited public support for the feeding of students during the ongoing WASSCE without prior approval.”
The GES also rejected suggestions that a surge in candidate numbers had caused a food shortage in examination centres.
“The claim that there has been a ‘surge in candidate numbers’ is entirely false. Student relocations were a controlled, planned action, and the figures were fully accounted for. The assertion that food supply has been ‘overwhelmed’ is a blatant lie. A comprehensive support system is in place through the government and relevant stakeholders,” the statement read.
The Service further described Mr Bagmae’s appeal as “deeply disturbing,” saying it created a “false narrative of government inaction” and risked stirring unnecessary public panic.
Further instructions on the matter, the GES said, will be issued in due course.
