COVID-19: Don't Reopen If You Are Not Ready - Private Schools Warned

The Ghana Association Of Private Schools has asked its members to be fully prepared before deciding to reopen schools though the government has asked that schools be reopened despite COVID-19 surge.

According to them, any school which desires to reopen should be able to insist on the necessary COVID-19 protocols and ensure a safe environment for learning.

Speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, Mr. Kyei Baffour explained that though schools have been closed for a long period and might have gone broke as a result of that, they should not be compelled to reopen if they are not fully prepared for the reopening of their schools.

"Though we feel it is the right time for schools to be reopened, we should not also lose guard in protecting students who have been left in our care," he added.

The association is visiting all private schools to ensure that they comply with the various safety protocols.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has officially reopened schools in the country after he said it is safe to do so.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, January 3, he said, "So, from 15th January, our children in kindergarten, primary and Junior High, in both private and public schools, will be back in school. All SHS 1 students will start classes from 10th March, with all students embarking on a single-track academic calendar. Their seniors in SHS 2 and SHS 3 will, however, return to school from 18th January."

“I must stress that SHS 3 students in all schools, like SHS 1 students, will no longer run the double-track system. The expansion of infrastructure at the various senior high schools, over the last three (3) years, has brought us to this favourable situation. However, the double-track system will still be applicable to SHS 2 students in schools that are employing it. Students in universities and other tertiary institutions are to be in school from Saturday, 9th January.

“Prior to their return to school, Government, through the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, will ensure that all institutions, public and private, are fumigated and disinfected. Schools and institutions, with their own hospitals and clinics, will be equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment, and have isolation centres to deal with any positive cases.

In this regard, various schools in the country have reopened.


Watch Video Below