The Dean of Business School at the University of Cape Coast, Professor John Gatsi, says huge inequalities exist in access to online educational platforms for continuous studies of students.
He said although such platforms are critical to meeting educational needs of students during national crisis such the COVID-19 pandemic, deficits in internet accessibility has seen some students not benefiting.
“As we speak, there is huge inequity of access to virtual education in the country because of unfair distribution of internet connectivity across the country, so some students are ready to participate in online and virtual education but internet connectivity is very weak or non existent in their area and it is not making them participate” he noted.
He said COVID-19, is a wake-up call to investing in infrastructure and other digital platforms and called for advocacy on how schools must be run in the midst of the pandemic.
Professor Gatsi was speaking at a virtual launch of the 68th Anniversary of Keta Senior High School.
“For stable and sustainable performance, provision of school infrastructure is very important and commitment of past students is very important to hold the values that KETASCO has placed in us” he intimated.
Professor Gatsi, who is an old boy said themes for celebrating the anniversary over the years, have been carefully selected to reflect national event. He said the theme for the 68th Anniversary which focuses on COVID-19, and how it is reflected on schools, shows commitment of the school to national issues.
He asked past students to be active and request from school management, the provision of a covid 19, friendly environment and where necessary offer support.
Professor Gatsi called for continuous education on COVID-19, in schools and frequent hand washing as well as critical attention paid to disinfection of school buses and washrooms.
He intimated that “we cannot say because of COVID-19, our children will not go to school, because for how long can our children stay at home, that is the debate, and to a large extent past students have a role to play.”
President of the Association, Kojo Mattah, in a welcome address, acknowledged the annual commemoration of the founders day which offers members the opportunity to unite.
He added that, it provides the platform to network as well as an opportunity to deliberate and strategize for the development of their Alma mater.
He called for an all hands on deck approach to develop the school and asked members to take special interest in a dining hall project.
In a good will message, the President of the 1981-year group, Victor Gborglah, said planning of the anniversary had been challenging as a result of the global pandemic, COVID-19. That notwithstanding, he was hopeful of a memorable celebration.
From a humble beginning as a day school with twenty-five students on February, 27, 1953, Keta Senior High Technical School, is today a formidable institution of learning.
Activities lined up for the 68th Anniversary include; founder’s day lecture, clean up exercise and a grand durbar on the 27th of February. The anniversary is being celebrated by 71, 81, 91, 96 and 2001 year groups.
Story By: Rachel Kakraba