Don’t give me reason to close down schools again – Akufo-Addo to students

As students prepare to go back to the classroom on Monday, President Nana Akufo-Addo has urged them to adhere to all the safety protocols with the country battling the new coronavirus variants.

Failure to adhere to this simple directive may result in the closure of schools for the second time, the president said in his 22nd COVID-19 address on Sunday.

“As we take these big steps to go back to school, your attitude, your behaviour, your self-discipline will decide whether or not our schools will remain open. I’m pleading with you, please observe the COVID-19 protocols at all times.

“You must maintain the sense of discipline and responsibility to stop the virus from spreading in your schools and for those students at home as well. Wear your mask at all times. Wash and sanitize your hands regularly.

“Protect yourself, protect each other, protect your teachers, protect your parents but please do not give me a reason to close down schools,” President Akufo-Addo advised.

With the upsurge in the number of cases, from a little over almost 300 cases on October 8 to 1,924, the president shudders to think of the possible spread of infections as school reopens.

Schools in Ghana were closed since March 15, 2020, as part of the government’s measures to curtail the spread of the COVID-19.

But after nine months of closure, President Akufo-Addo in his 21st address announced the opening of schools at all levels by January 15.

Some parents have however expressed fear over the possible spread of the virus in the school as Ghana’s cases increase.

But President Akufo-Addo has assured parents and all stakeholders that all the safety measures have been put in place ahead of the reopening.

“Heads of institutions, as well as their teachers, have undergone the requisite orientation on Guidelines for school re-opening during COVID-19, to enable them assist with compliance of students to the protocols.

“I have been encouraged by the preparations being made by many schools, in some cases, with the support of their old student associations and PTAs, in anticipation of the return on Monday.

“On our part, Government has also undertaken the fumigation and disinfection of schools, and the provision of sanitisers, masks, liquid soaps, Veronica Buckets, rolls of tissue paper, face shields for learners and staff with hearing impairments, gloves for caregivers and attendants, to schools across the country,” the president added.