Senior High Schools to Close Tomorrow for 2024 Election Break

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a directive for all senior high schools (SHSs) across the country to close on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in preparation for the 2024 general elections. This decision is aimed at ensuring that both staff and eligible students have ample time to travel to their respective constituencies to vote in the national elections scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024.
The directive, which was communicated through an official circular signed by Dr. Kwabena Bempah Tandoh, Deputy Director-General of the GES, emphasizes that it is crucial for school heads, particularly at the second-cycle education level, to comply with the order. The circular specifically mandates the heads of schools to make necessary arrangements to facilitate the departure of staff and students to ensure that they can fully participate in the voting process without disruptions.
The circular stresses that regional directors of education are tasked with ensuring full compliance with the directive and that heads of schools at the regional level make the necessary logistical arrangements for eligible students and staff to travel to their constituencies and cast their votes. This directive is a clear indication of the importance the GES places on encouraging civic engagement among students and staff alike, as they prepare to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.
This decision also aligns with the nation’s constitutional mandate that grants all eligible Ghanaians the right to vote, and it ensures that those who have the right to participate in the democratic process can do so without any hindrances, including being unable to travel from their school locations. It is a step that ensures the right to vote is not compromised due to the election date coinciding with school activities.
The GES’ move comes ahead of Ghana’s highly anticipated 2024 general election, which is set to take place on December 7, 2024. This election is a milestone in the country’s democratic history, being the ninth general election since the country returned to constitutional rule in 1992. It is set to determine the next president of the Republic of Ghana, as well as the composition of the country’s parliament.
In total, there are 12 presidential candidates contesting the elections. Among them, the two largest political parties— the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC)— will be competing for the presidency, as well as vying for the 275 parliamentary seats. The elections will also see independent candidates and representatives from smaller political parties competing for various positions.
The decision to close schools on December 5 is especially important as it provides the opportunity for school staff and students, many of whom may be away from their home constituencies due to their schooling, to engage in the electoral process without additional complications. It offers them the time they need to travel back home, vote, and return to school or work once the voting process has concluded.
Furthermore, the GES’s directive demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that the academic calendar does not hinder the electoral process, reinforcing the importance of civic responsibility for all citizens, including those still in school. It also underlines the significance of national participation in the democratic process, with the youth being given an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in a way that is aligned with the national agenda.
The closure of schools ahead of the elections ensures that eligible students and staff have no reason not to vote. It is part of broader efforts to make sure that no eligible voter is left behind and that the general election is accessible to everyone. This initiative will hopefully inspire further participation and contribute to a higher voter turnout in the elections.
With the general election just days away, the announcement by the GES highlights the ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and participatory election process. It also serves as a reminder to citizens, particularly the younger generation, about their role in shaping the future of the country. Through the careful coordination of educational institutions, local authorities, and the GES, Ghana is making strides to ensure that every eligible voter has an opportunity to be part of this momentous national event.