Ghana

The Ghana Education Service(GES) on Sunday released guidelines for the reopening of schools in the country.

The Guidelines which was issued by  the Director-General of the GES, Professor Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa, states :
“I want to assure all stakeholders, including parents and guardians, of our preparedness to support the provision of good quality education for all our learners, even in these times of the COVID-19. Our goal, in these times, is to provide quality education within a healthy and safe environment. At the same time, we will continue to build a more resilient educational system that will ensure continuous learning for our learners, even during emergencies.
“As we prepare to reopen our schools to allow learners to continue with their academic work, it is important that we establish broad guidelines for the safe operation of our schools.''
“These guidelines are to help regional and district directors of education, as well as heads of schools, to operate safely in the country. It is important to note that the broad guidelines outlined in this document are a general guide and must be adapted, where necessary, to meet the particular situation of each region, district, or school, in accordance with the protocols and directives for the reopening of schools.''
“Learners and staff will be provided with re-usable face masks which must be worn at all times to, in, and from school. Learners with hearing impairment and staff will be provided with age-appropriate face shields to be worn at all times and supported by staff for safe-keeping and cleaning.''
“Lesson periods and breaks shall be as stipulated by the GES and subject to the approved COVID-19 safety protocols.
“Visits to washrooms (that is, toilets and urinals) should be regulated to promote social distancing and safety. Parents are encouraged to provide their children with food (e.g. snacks) when going to school to minimize the movement of learners for food within and outside of the school premises.''
For kindergarten children, it said heads of schools must ensure regular disinfection of furniture and other teaching/learning resources, as well as the regular washing of hands with soap under running water.