Students of the Sunyani Technical University in the Bono Region have up to Wednesday, March 18, 2020, to vacate all halls of residence.
The authorities of the school say the school has been closed down following President Nana Akufo-Addo’s directive on containing the spread of the Coronavirus in the country.
The Public Relations Officer of Sunyani Technical University, Dickson Kyere-Duah, said management would be making use of e-learning tools to ensure students still learn while at home.
“We are not closing down completely; essential services providers will be there so you will be seeing skeletal staff on duty. Most importantly, the IT department is going to deploy an e-learning tool for the students. So while at home, they will have the opportunity to undertake assignments and course works so that they will not fall behind. The university is also providing handwashing facilities at vantage points and hand sanitizers and also educating members of the university community to fully comply with WHO and the Ghana Health Service protocols regarding containment of the virus.”
President’s directive
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed schools in the country to shut down effective Monday, March 16, 2020.
The President gave the order when he addressed the nation on Sunday, March 15, 2020.
“All Universities, Senior High Schools, and basic schools, i.e. public and private schools, will be closed Monday, 16th March 2020, till further notice. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, has been tasked to roll out distance learning programmes,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo, however, said students who will be taking part in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) “will be allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations, but with prescribed social distancing protocols.”
How to protect yourself
To prevent the spread, the standard recommendations coming from the WHO is regular hand washing, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs.
People are also advised to avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
