GES Snubs Parliament; Maintains December 4 Reopening Date

Despite the several concerns expressed by stakeholders in the education sector including the representatives of Ghanaians, Parliament, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has reaffirmed that the reporting date for first-year students remains December 4, 2023.

Parents and stakeholders argue that, the reopening date does not provide ample time for students to prepare for the academic year.

Following a concern raised on the floor of the House last Thursday by Ranking Member on the Education committe, Peter Nortsu Kotoe, the Speaker of Parliament sent an SOS message through the media for the consideration of the education minisitry on the reopening date, suggesting the first week of January.

A subsequent statement issued by the Parliamentary Service acknowledged the short notice and the inconvenience it posed to students, parents, teaching and non-teaching staff.

However, the Ghana Education Service issued a statement on Saturday, December 2 reiterating its stance.

Per the academic calendar, schools are expected to take a Christmas break from December 21 to January 3 next year and continue academic work till March 5, 2024.

The latest statement by GES states: “It is the expectation of management that schools begin registration and orientation of students from the 4th of December 2023,” GES said.

The GES urged schools to initiate the necessary processes on the stipulated date including prospective students undergoing self-placement.

The GES added that per the academic calendar, there would be a Christmas break on the 21st of December 2023 and resume on the 3rd of January to continue academic work till March 5th 2024.