Reconsider reopening dates for first year students – Parliament to Education Minister

Parliament has directed the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Adutwum to reconsider the proposed resumption dates for first-year students of all senior high schools.

First-year students and all non-teaching staff of the various SHSs are to report to school on December 4.

A statement from the parliamentary service stated that “in view of the urgency of this matter and various concerns raised by Members of Parliament and other stakeholders, the Rt. Hon Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has directed the Minister of Education to appear before the House and brief Members on Monday 4th December 2023 at 12:30 pm.”

The statement urged the Education Minister to consider the first week of January 2024 as the reopening date due to the short notice and its attendant inconvenience to students, parents, teaching and non-teaching staff.

“The House proposes for the consideration of the Hon. Minister of Education the first week of January 2024 as a more convenient and appropriate time for parents, students, and teachers to adequately prepare for academic work,” parts of the statement read.

The statement further called on all students, parents, teachers, and non-teaching staff not to panic but to remain calm and wait for further directive on the matter while “the House engages with the Hon. Minister of Education for an amicable resolution.”