NDC MP, Inusah Fuseini backs reopening of schools ‘in small bits’

A leading member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in parliament has backed the reopening of schools in Ghana albeit with conditionalities.

Inusah Fuseini says the closure of schools and major corporations in the country and across the world cannot go on forever.

“Whatever be the case we must be working towards a return,” Mr Fuseini told JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday.

The Ranking Member on the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee of the House, however, said this must be done in “small bits” to ensure social distancing and other hygiene etiquettes are observed.

The Tamale Central MP said Ghana can observe the experiences of other countries in Europe and the East to guide the reopening of schools.

But taking a less liberal stance, member of the Education Committee of the House, Clement Apaak backed calls for more consultation before any thought of reopening is considered.

He said the reopening must be done in a manner that would not endanger the lives of students, teachers and non-teaching staff.

Dr. Apaak also raised concerns on the inadequate space in the Senior High Schools which forced the government to introduce a double track system.

“How are we going to address this challenge when we are dealing with a virus which requires that we maintain physical or social distance,” he quizzed.

NPP MP, Seth Acheampong who was also on the show noted that no decision has been taken on the subject.

He said consultations are still ongoing all opinions are welcome.

The submissions follow resistance from teacher unions across the country who say reopening schools at the moment is a nonstarter.

The unions say it not yet safe to reopen to schools as the country’s Covid-19 situation does not suggest a safe reopening.