Education Minister Dr. Yaw Adutwum has informed parliament that a significant 81.56% of eligible candidates secured placements at their preferred schools, marking a notable increase from last year’s 69.24%.

He attributed this success to the harmonized prospectus and the government’s commitment to place over 81% of candidates into Senior High Schools. Moreover, the directive for fresh Senior High School students to commence classes on December 4, 2023, aligns to restore the pre-COVID academic calendar.

Appearing before parliament to brief lawmakers on the reporting date for fresh students, he justified the commencement of the 2023/2024 academic year on December 4, 2024.

He said “As at the time of placement released, 477,772 candidates representing 81.56 of the students who qualified for placement were automatically placed compared to last year’s 372,780 representing 69.24, so when the placement was released less than 19percent had to go on the portal and look for a school this year. Last year, it was 30 per cent plus that had to go and look for their school because they do not have a match.”

Many stakeholders in the education sector and Parliament raised concerns about the short period for fresh SHS students to report to school on December 4, 2023.

But the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum in addressing Parliament says adequate measures have been put in place for the start of the 2023/2024 academic calendar.

Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin on his part conceded that there is little parliament can do on the reopening but indicated parents and students should be given ample time to prepare. Further, he noted that it should not be compelling that if you miss out on the opening date, then you will be sanctioned whatsoever.

He also added that next year, the GES and the Education Ministry should do wider consultation to ensure a smooth academic year.

The Majority Leader, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu proposed that parliament’s education committee should be part of the stakeholders.

He also asserted that a total of 92.65 per cent of candidates have been placed in the various high schools through automatic placement and self-placement.

The Minority in Parliament urged the minister to appeal to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to extend the date for reopening in the interest of their constituents.

Dr. Ato Forson stated “Our position is simple and is not the position of the NDC, I am sure it is the position of the majority of the House that extend the date, we have heard from TEWU, NAGRAT, GNAT, and all the stakeholders in the education space, calling on the minister to extend the date, in the interest of our constituents who voted for us to be among the privileged 0.1percent of the population.

In the interest of our constituents, the time is too short for members of the public  to organize themselves.”

Bagbin had directed Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum to appear before Parliament on December 4, to respond to concerns raised by the Minority about the proposed reopening dates for schools.

Mr Bagbin urged a reconsideration of the initial reopening date, proposing a shift to the first week of January 2024. This adjustment aims to provide adequate preparation time for parents and teachers. The Speaker highlighted the need for readiness among educators and parents for the upcoming academi