GES Declares SHS Break on December 5 for 2024 General Elections Preparation

GES Confirms SHS Break Ahead of December 7 Elections

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially announced that Senior High School (SHS) staff and students will break from academic activities on Thursday, December 5, 2024. This directive is intended to allow both staff and eligible students to prepare for the country’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled for Saturday, December 7, 2024.

The announcement, contained in a letter dated November 29, 2024, highlights the significance of providing ample time for eligible voters to travel to their constituencies and exercise their franchise in the democratic process.

Schools to Close for Election Preparation

The GES has directed that all second-cycle institutions across the country close on December 5 to ensure that staff and students are available to participate in the upcoming elections. The break will also accommodate teachers who have been selected by the Electoral Commission (EC) to serve as electoral officers during the voting process.

Regional Directors have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the directive, which aims to facilitate smooth travel for eligible voters and support the EC in executing its duties.

While the letter from GES did not explicitly indicate a return date for academic activities, it is projected that schools will resume operations on Monday, December 9, 2024.

Farmers’ Day Holiday Coincides with Election Preparations

The announcement follows the declaration of Friday, December 6, 2024, as a statutory public holiday in observance of Farmers’ Day. Although the official 2024 Farmers’ Day celebration took place on November 8, the statutory holiday remains in effect, providing an additional day for Ghanaians to prepare for the elections.

The Farmers’ Day holiday, which falls just a day before the general elections, will give voters across the country extra time to travel to their respective polling stations and finalize any preparations needed for Election Day.

Ensuring Civic Participation

The GES’ directive underscores the institution’s commitment to promoting civic engagement among staff and students. By allowing sufficient time for travel and preparation, the GES aims to encourage widespread participation in the democratic process while ensuring that teachers serving in official election roles can perform their duties effectively.

The directive also aligns with broader national efforts to ensure that the 2024 general elections are conducted smoothly, with all eligible voters given the opportunity to participate.

National Significance

The decision to close schools highlights the critical role of education institutions in supporting democratic processes. With many teachers doubling as EC officials, their involvement is integral to the success of the elections.

As the nation approaches this pivotal moment, the GES’ proactive measures reflect a shared responsibility to uphold the democratic values that underpin Ghana’s governance.

For now, students and staff are urged to adhere to the GES’ directive and make the necessary arrangements to fulfill their civic responsibilities on December 7, 2024.

About the 2024 General Elections

Ghanaians will head to the polls to elect a President and Members of Parliament in what is expected to be a highly competitive election. The Electoral Commission and other stakeholders, including the National Peace Council, have been working tirelessly to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.