Teachers Push GES to Shift January 8 Reopening Date for Term Two

Public School Teachers Call on GES to Review Term Two Reopening Date for 2025/2026 Academic Year. Will the GES become a listening one for the reasons outlined by the teachers?

Public school teachers across Ghana are calling on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to review the reopening date for Term Two of the 2025/2026 academic year, following growing concerns raised on the Service’s official Facebook page.

According to teachers, the current academic calendar presents practical and professional challenges that require urgent reconsideration by education authorities.

Teachers Say First Term Was Longer Than Planned

One major concern raised is the duration of the first term.

Teachers argue that the first term officially spanned 16 weeks instead of the scheduled 15 weeks, placing additional strain on both educators and learners.

They say the extended term affected lesson pacing, workload distribution, and assessment timelines across public schools.

January 8 Reopening Described as “Unusual”

Another key issue is the proposed reopening date of Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Teachers note that reopening days have traditionally fallen on Tuesdays, allowing schools to settle administrative matters smoothly at the start of the week.

A Thursday reopening, they argue, disrupts planning, reduces effective instructional days in the first week, and creates avoidable confusion for parents and students.

Teachers Propose Alternative Reopening Dates

Based on these concerns, teachers are proposing two alternative reopening dates.

They are urging GES to consider Tuesday, January 6th, or Tuesday, January 13, 2026, as a more practical and consistent option.

According to them, either date would align better with established academic routines and improve classroom readiness nationwide.

Below is the comment on the request

1. 1st Term 2025/2026 academic year: we spent 16 weeks but not 15 weeks.

2. Re-open day falls on Thursday, 8th January, 2026, which is unusual.

Reopen has always been Tuesday, so I suggest you push the reopen to 6th or 13th January, 2026. Thank you

Call for GES to Engage Stakeholders

Teachers are calling on GES to engage stakeholders quickly and clarify whether adjustments can be made to the academic calendar.

READ: GES Commends Teachers as First Term Ends, Confirms Promotion Exams in December

They stress that timely communication is critical to ensure effective planning for schools, teachers, parents, and learners ahead of Term Two.

As discussions continue online, many educators say a prompt response from GES would help restore confidence in the academic scheduling process. Will GES shift the January 8 reopening date for term two to January 13? We wait for the service to respond to the suggestion. Until then, schools reopen on 8th January, 2026