‘Schools Will Not Be Shut Down’

Dr Bernard Okoe Boye

Deputy Health Minister, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye, has debunked media reports that schools will be closed should the rate of Covid-19 infections reach 15percent.

According to the Deputy Minister, the statement which was attributed to him is false and should be disregarded.

“I write to state categorically that I haven’t said anywhere that schools would be shut down if Covid-19 rate reaches 15%… we have to focus on disseminating informed education material on Covid-19 related matters,” he said in a statement.

Dr Okoe Boye explained that he indeed spoke on Asempa FM on July 14 to help listeners appreciate the fact that calling for the closure of schools because of recorded cases cannot be just and scientifically sound.

This, he said was because Covid-19 cases could be picked anywhere including the church, schools, mosque, market as well as educational institutions.

“I stated on the programme that the meticulous preschool activities put in place by the Akufo-Addo government and the protocols and logistics put in the schools would help see students through to the end of their examinations.

The minister said the government can be trusted to take care of students to the very end of their stay in school.

“I would like to urge all parents to keep calm, call their school heads or 311 in case they have any queries. Just as the over 200,000 tertiary students finished their programs without a calamity, so would these SHS students too shall finish by the grace of the Almighty,” he said.

By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri