The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) is calling for the reopening of schools in July for final year students and September for all students.
According to President of the Association, Damasus Tuurosung, the Covid-19 pandemic has no plan of leaving; therefore schools must find ways of operating while the pandemic hovers around.
Mr. Tsuurosong who disclosed that plans are underway for private schools to resume said "the argument is simple; this pandemic is going to be around for a long time and the children cannot continue to be at home.
"There’s also a study we did which is showing that in many cases the children may be more at risk at home than in school," he said on JoyPrime's Prime Morning Show.
In March this year, President Akufo-Addo announced the closure of all school in the country as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
The President in a televised address to the nation also placed a ban on public gathering while calling for social distancing.
Two months after this directive, talks of when schools will reopen has begun on social media as many argue that living with coronavirus is the 'new normal'.
But Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah insists government has not taken a decision on when schools will reopen.
According to the Information Minister, stakeholder consultations are still ongoing to ensure that the easing of the various restrictions put in place by President Akufo-Addo will not lead to further spread of the virus.
As the debate continues, more and more individuals are joining calls against the opening of schools.
However, the GNAPS President is against this stance.
“At the level of private schools, we have already taken various measures to ensure that schools reopen appropriately. We have had discussions and come out with a blueprint for the reopening of schools
"We believe that reopening of schools should not go beyond July for final year students and possibly September for the rest of the students,"
Mr. Tsuurosong added that children, while at home, are at a higher risk of contracting the coronavirus because parents are more likely to compromise on the safety of their wards when they [the parents] leave for work whereas, at school, there will be strict monitoring and enforcement of safety measures.
"They leave the kids at home and go to work, God knows what they come into contact with.
"But at school, the children will be made to comply with all the safety measures; washing of hands, sanitizing themselves, ensuring social distancing because, on many instances, parents are unable to even enforce these regulations. They are unable to ensure that the kids stay safe at home," he said.
Latest Stories
-
19 steps for getting over even the most devastating breakup fast
59 mins -
8th Ghana CEO Summit launched with focus on AI transformation, economic diversification
1 hour -
Prof Opoku-Agyemang has not been given a fair appraisal – Ablakwa
1 hour -
Rainstorm wreaks havoc in Keta and Anloga districts, residents count their losses
1 hour -
Global Plastics Treaty negotiations begin in Ottawa as countries converge on phasing out problematic plastic uses
2 hours -
Support energy alternatives adoption to sustain businesses – GUTA tells government
2 hours -
11th DRIF opens in Accra with a call on governments to focus on digital inclusion
2 hours -
Stakeholders outline plans at RE4C Coalition’s General Assembly in Accra
2 hours -
Women Need ‘shock observers’ for active political participation – Ex-Bauchi Assembly Member
2 hours -
2024 polls: Stop fighting over positions in Mahama’s next government – Asiedu Nketiah
2 hours -
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
2 hours -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
2 hours -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
3 hours -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
3 hours -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
3 hours