All final year day students in the various senior high schools (SHS) are expected to stay on campus with the boarders following the reopening of schools by President Akufo-Addo.

The directive forms part of measures outlined by the Education Ministry to ensure the safety of students and teachers amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“All day students in boarding schools will be accepted as boarders. For pure day schools there will be enhanced protocols to look after the children,” Education Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said at a press conference in Accra.

Following the easing of some restrictions by President Akufo-Addo in his 10^th address to the nation, final year students in the university, SHS and JHS can return to school from June 15, to prepare for their exit exams.

This directive according to the President is to be observed amid strict social distancing protocols and other safety measures including the wearing of face masks.

Detailing the various protocols during the press conference held at the Ministry of Information today, Dr Opoku Prempeh said the various measures put in place by government will help to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“We are not going to provide buses because the health experts tell us that the buses get too crowded and it will be better if they even walk to school. But we will ensure that the necessary things are done to prevent the spread of the virus in the schools. Senior high schools will reopen on June 22 and there will be no visiting allowed.

“They will be there for academic work for 6 weeks and do their West Africa Examination Council that is the 'Ghana Exams' for 5 weeks.

According to Dr Opoku Prempeh, while school authorities are to ensure that there are washing facilities available, including washable and reusable face masks for all students and staff; all educational institutions must be disinfected from time to time.

“All classes are to be split with not more than 25 students in a class. Day schools will have enhanced daily health protocols. Dining will be in batches in boarding schools. Schools will be unavailable for religious activities and no sports and sporting events are allowed," the Education Minister emphasised.