Dr Clement Apaak, the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament Education Committee and MP for Builsa South Constituency in the Upper East Region, has explained the stance of the minority in parliament regarding the reopening date for first-year SHS students.
He stated that the reason for the minority's call for reconsideration is due to the limited number of days before the reopening and the economic hardship that people are currently facing.
Speaking to Info Radio, Dr Apaak also noted that even though senior high school education is free, parents and guardians still have a role to play in ensuring that their children attend school.
He added that some students are yet to get placement through the self-placement process, and the Christmas and New Year breaks have made it difficult for them to get ready for school.
Therefore, the minority is suggesting that the reopening date be shifted to the first week of January.
This will give the teaching and non-teaching staff in schools time to relax and prepare for the incoming students.
Additionally, parents will have ample time to fully prepare their children for school.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Adutwum, has justified the commencement of the 2023/2024 academic year on December 4, 2023.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Dr Adutwum outlined the harmonised prospectus, the need to return to the pre-COVID academic calendar and the placement of over 81% of candidates into Senior High Schools as the basis for the directive from government.