Coronavirus: Final year students return to schools amidst tight restrictions

The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has confirmed the reopening of schools for final year students of public universities and senior high schools (SHS) while preparations continue for the return of final junior high school (JHS) students to complete preparations for their exams.

Beginning today Monday May 15, 2020 operating with half class size, the President said final year students will begin a six-week period of learning to finish their respective programmes, and sit for their final exams, for four weeks.

However, he noted that some final year university students will not be returning to school since they have already completed their examination through virtual means.

“Final year SHS will report to school a week after the return of university students, June 22, along with SHS 2 Gold Track students, and final year JHS3 students on June 29. The Ghana Education Service (GES) has ensured the disinfection of all public and private tertiary institutions,” the president said.

Additionally, he said universities with their own hospitals and clinics have been equipped with the necessary PPE's and isolation centers to deal with any positive cases.

However, as the schools open the President has directed for the adherence of some strict protocols including the cancellation of mass gatherings and sporting activities but religious activities under the new protocols will be permitted.

Akufo-Addo stated the wearing of masks must become the new norm for students and in view of this said some 600,000 nose masks have been supplied to tertiary institutions.

He said pandemic should not erode the interest in social justice such as education and health.

“We cannot afford to let the pandemic undermine our chances for survival and progress. We have to confront our present and future with confidence, knowing fully well that we must remain, at all times vigilant and careful”

He added notwithstanding how the outbreak of the coronavirus has altered national life, deliberate steps effort has been made to ensure that society is able to function while continuing to strive to deliver the results of progress, prosperity and development.