Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, says the government is taking concrete steps to phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools (SHSs), describing it as harmful to learning outcomes under the Free SHS policy.
Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, August 24, Mr. Iddrisu stressed that the policy, which was initially introduced to manage congestion in SHSs, has now become a challenge to quality education.
“The double-track system has impacted negatively on the quality and outcomes of education under the Free SHS policy. Students have fewer contact hours and less study time, which affects their performance,” the Minister said.
He outlined three main strategies to address the problem: expanding infrastructure in SHSs, strengthening digital learning resources, and bringing qualified private SHSs under the Free SHS programme.
“Government’s commitment to ending the system can only be realised at three levels: expanding infrastructure, strengthening digital resources in schools, and allowing private SHSs to absorb qualified students to ease the pressure,” Mr. Iddrisu explained.
To guide the process, government has established an 11-member committee chaired by Prof. Peter Grant of the University of Cape Coast, with a mandate to review the 2024/2025 academic calendar and propose a roadmap to revert to a single-track system.
The Minister expressed confidence that the reforms would ensure fairness, reduce congestion, and restore more productive learning hours for students.
Below is the 11-member committee reviewing the academic calendar:
- Prof. Godwin Awabil, University of Cape Coast (UCC) – Chair
- Prof. Samuel A. Atintono, PRINCOF
- Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi (Mrs.), Deputy Director-General (Management Service), GES
- Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director-General (Quality and Access), GES
- D. W. Agbenyo, WAEC
- Rosemond Wilson (PhD), WAEC
- Mr. Augustus Agyemfra, CODE
- Mr. David Odjidja, CHASS
- Addo Nicholas Nii Kpakpoe, COHBS
- Prince Charles Agyemang-Duah, Schools & Instructions Division,GES
