President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has told students, parents, teachers and staff of educational institutions across the country not to give government a reason to close down schools again.

This follows the reopening of schools across the country after schools were closed down in March 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delivering his 22nd update on measures being taken by his government to curb the spread of the virus on Sunday, 17 January, 2021, President Akufo-Addo told teachers and students to adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols in order to avoid the closure of schools again.

“Wear your mask at all times. Wash and sanitise your hands regularly. Protect yourself. Protect each other. Protect your teachers. Protect your parents. 

“But, please do not give me a reason to close down schools again. I pledge to do my best to keep your education going,” President Akufo-Addo stated in his address.”

Schools were reopened across the country on Friday, 15 January 2021 from Kindergarten to Senior High School while tertiary institutions were reopened on Saturday, 9 January, 2021.

President Akufo-Addo also intimated that government did not intend to place a lockdown on the country, however, if the need arises, it would not fail to do so.

President Akufo-Addo said: “We do not want to go back to the days of partial lockdowns, which had a negative impact on our economy and our way of life. But should that becoming necessary, ie., should the number of active cases continue to increase at the current rate, I will have no option but to re-impose these restrictions because it is better to be safe than to be sorry. 

“So together, let us all ensure that we respect the protocols.”

Meanwhile, the President has instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), James Oppong Boanuh to ensure strict compliance with the law on wearing of face masks in order to curb further spread of the virus.