Some pupils and students across the country are struggling to connect to the various virtual learning platforms rolled out by government.

In the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic, academic work has migrated online, as schools remain closed indefinitely to curtail its spread.

But not all families have access to electricity, TV, phones and computer to keep up with the initiative, especially people in rural Ghana.

At the Western regional town of Banso, final junior high and senior high school students are worried they may fail their final exams as they cannot access learning modules online.

JoyNews’ Henry Kwesi Badu follows the story of pupils in this deprived community as they continue to miss out on lessons.

Meanwhile, Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Cassandra Twum Ampofo, says more platforms will be introduced to close the equity gap in accessing education in the country.

Acknowledging the legitimacy of the concerns shared by some families, she further revealed that “we have also started discussions with some community radio stations so that at least, even if you don’t have electricity, you can have a battery or solar-powered radio sets.”

Learning devices for pupils during shutdown

Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe called on the government to provide pupils with smartphones as part of its preparation ahead of the roll-out of its various online interventions.

Speaking on Joy FM's Midday News April 24, the Member of Parliament for Akatsi North Constituency also added that students in this bracket “should be given a subsidy so that the parents can afford.”