No form of religious activity or visitation will be allowed in Schools as they re-open for final year students amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a directive by the Education Ministry, visitors will not be allowed entry into Boarding Senior High Schools (SHSs) adding that Day Students will be compulsorily made boarders to prevent any infection from outside the schools.

Sector Minister, Dr. Mattew Opoku Prempeh, announced this at the Information Ministry’s regular News Briefing today (June 2, 2020) following President Akufo-Addo’s announcement on Sunday, that final year Students in University, Senior High and Junior High Schools can return to school from June 15,  to prepare for their Exit Examinations.

According to Dr. Opoku Prempeh, the measures are aimed at reducing the rate of coronavirus infections.

Meanwhile, Foreign students studying in the country’s Tertiary Institutions, who left the country during the heat of the pandemic will be allowed to return, granted their country will allow them back.

On the proposal by the Ghana National Association of Teachers, GNAT, that all teachers and students be tested before re-opening, the Education Minister said that should not be the focus.

The Education Minister also said there shall be no form of assemblies or any other mass gatherings as final year students go back to class.

The schools are to ensure there are washing facilities, provision of washable and reusable face masks for all students and staff.

Also, all educational institutions should be disinfected from time to time.

Below are the protocols for reopening junior and senior high schools as well as the tertiary institutions.

Protocols for Junior High Schools 

• Schools will reopen on June 29 for final year students only
• All classes are to be split with not more than 30 students in a class.
• As a reduced school day, classes will be organized from 9 am to 1 pm each day.
• There will be no breaks outside the classroom.
• Schools will have enhanced daily health protocols.
• Schools will be unavailable for religious activities.
• No sports or sporting events are allowed.

Protocols for Senior High School 

• All classes are to be split with not more than 25 students in a class.
• All day students in boarding schools will now be accommodated into the boarding house
• Day schools will have enhanced daily health protocols.
• Dining will be in batches in boarding schools.
• No visitors will be allowed.
• Schools will be unavailable for religious activities.
• No sports and sporting events are allowed.

Protocols for tertiary institutions

• Re-opening on Monday, June 15, 2020, for final year students only
• Split all classes
• Private tertiary institutions are to provide to NCTE with number of staff and number of final year students
• All Non-MoE educational institutions are also expected to re-open on Monday, June 15, 2020
• Foreign Students who are outside the country and are identified will be allowed to return granted their country will allow them to exit.