GES Denies CHASS Request for Postponement; Maintains SHS Reopening Date

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has firmly stated that the reopening date for Senior High Schools (SHS) will proceed as originally scheduled, despite recent calls from the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) for a delay. A few weeks ago, CHASS voiced concerns to the Ministry of Education, highlighting financial challenges facing second-cycle institutions. They warned that unless these issues were addressed before the anticipated reopening date of January 3, 2025, it could cause disruptions to the academic schedule.

In response to these concerns, CHASS had issued a statement recommending that the reopening of schools be postponed. However, the GES, in a statement released on Thursday, January 2, 2025, just one day before the planned reopening, clarified that the 2024/2025 academic year would begin without any changes. According to the GES, the academic calendar would proceed as initially outlined, and no alterations would be made to the reopening dates.

The GES reassured all relevant stakeholders, including students, staff, parents, and the general public, that the scheduled dates for reopening would be observed. In their official release, the GES confirmed that Senior High School students are expected to return to school on January 3, 2025, while primary and Junior High School students will resume their studies on January 8, 2025. This confirmation is vital for ensuring clarity and allowing parents and students to make the necessary preparations for the beginning of the new academic year.

Furthermore, the GES emphasized that they are in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Education to address the financial concerns raised by CHASS. The management of the GES expressed their commitment to resolving these issues swiftly, aiming to ensure that the academic year can commence without any significant disruptions. They reassured the public that efforts are being made to tackle the challenges that may affect the smooth operation of schools in the coming term.

While the GES stood by the scheduled reopening, they acknowledged the concerns of the heads of the second-cycle schools and expressed their understanding of the financial difficulties they are facing. The GES has pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Education to find solutions that will address these challenges and support schools in the smooth execution of their academic duties.

The GES also urged all involved parties, including parents, teachers, and students, to take note of the confirmed reopening dates and make the necessary arrangements to ensure a seamless start to the academic year. The statement stressed that adherence to the scheduled dates is essential for the successful reopening of schools across the country, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a consistent and timely academic calendar for all levels of education.

This clarification comes as a relief to many parents and students who were concerned about the potential delay and uncertainty surrounding the reopening of schools. By reaffirming the original dates, the GES has provided a sense of stability and certainty, allowing for adequate preparation ahead of the new academic year.

The GES’s decision to proceed with the planned reopening on January 3 for SHS and January 8 for primary and JHS students underscores their commitment to keeping the educational system on track, despite the challenges that may arise. They continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to ensure that any financial issues faced by schools are promptly addressed, ensuring that the quality of education in Ghana remains high and uninterrupted.