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 role with immediate effect.

The directive, issued by the Acting Oti Regional Director of Education, Mrs. Irene Jacqueline Bra, follows allegations that Mr. Bagmae engaged with the media without prior authorisation on Monday, August 4, 2025. During the interview, he reportedly appealed for public support to feed students sitting for the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to the GES, Mr. Bagmae’s actions were deemed “inappropriate” and breached internal protocols. He has been asked to relinquish all official responsibilities, hand over school property, and refrain from making further public comments while investigations are underway.

In a statement dated August 5, the GES noted, “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 pushed back against the headmaster’s claims that a surge in student numbers had caused food shortages at the school. It described the statement as “false” and “misleading,” insisting that the relocation of students had been a planned and accounted-for process.

“The claim that there has been a ‘surge in candidate numbers’ at these schools is entirely false. The relocation of students was a controlled, planned action, and the numbers were well-known and accounted for. The assertion that food supply has been ‘overwhelmed’ is a blatant lie, as a comprehensive and ongoing support system has been put in place by the government and relevant stakeholders.

The Service criticised Mr. Bagmae’s appeal as an attempt to create “a false narrative of government inaction” and warned that it could incite unnecessary public concern.

Further instructions regarding Mr. Bagmae’s status and the outcome of the investigation will be communicated in due course.