According to the 2023/2024 academic calendar released by the Ghana Education Service, both single and double-track students are expected to resume classes on December 4.
While concerns have been raised about the short preparation period for students, the Ministry of Education emphasizes that the academic calendar was released well in advance to allow parents and students to prepare.
Kwasi Kwarteng, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, addressed the concerns during a recent statement. He reiterated that the resumption date for SHS students remains December 4.
Kwarteng emphasized that the expectation is for students to report on the first day, but reassured that first-year students who are unable to report on time will not automatically lose their slots.
Students are allowed flexibility to report in the following days or even the following week. Kwarteng pointed out that the academic calendar had been in the public space for weeks, providing sufficient time for preparation.
In response to the concerns raised by the Minority caucus, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, weighed in on the matter. Bagbin urged the Ministry of Education to reconsider the reopening date and proposed a change to the first week of January 2024.
He expressed the view that the short period for students to make preparations needed reconsideration. The Speaker made an official statement, saying, “The house calls on and urges the Minister of Education to reconsider the directive by the Ministry of Education.”
The Speaker proposed that the Ministry of Education considers shifting the reopening date to the first week of January 2024. To formalize this proposal, he directed the Minister of Education to report and brief the house on Monday, December 4.
This directive aims to address the concerns raised by various stakeholders and ensure that the reopening date aligns with the best interests of students, parents, and educational institutions.
As the controversy surrounding the reopening date for Senior High School students in Ghana unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Ministry of Education will respond to the parliamentary proposal.
The delicate balance between addressing concerns about preparation time and maintaining the academic schedule is at the forefront of this debate. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation that impacts the education landscape in Ghana.
Published By: Justice Donkoh | GESHub.org
