The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced that government is taking firm steps to phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools (SHSs), describing it as detrimental to learning outcomes under the Free SHS policy.
Addressing a press briefing on Sunday, August 24, Mr. Iddrisu said while the double-track was originally introduced to ease congestion in schools, it has now become a barrier 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 reduced study time, which ultimately affects their performance,” he noted.
According to him, government has adopted three main strategies to end the policy: expanding infrastructure in SHSs, enhancing access to digital learning resources, and integrating qualified private SHSs into the Free SHS programme to absorb excess enrollment.
“Government’s commitment to ending the system can only be realised at three levels—expansion of infrastructure, strengthening digital resources, and bringing qualified private SHSs on board to ease the pressure,” Mr. Iddrisu explained.
To guide the transition, an 11-member committee chaired by Prof. Peter Grant of the University of Cape Coast has been set up with a mandate to review the 2024/2025 academic calendar and draft a roadmap for returning to a single-track system.
The Minister expressed confidence that the reforms would reduce congestion, restore productive learning hours, and ensure greater equity in access to quality education.
Below is the 11-member committee reviewing the academic calendar:
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Prof. Godwin Awabil, University of Cape Coast (UCC) – Chair
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Prof. Samuel A. Atintono, PRINCOF
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Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi (Mrs.), Deputy Director-General (Management Service), GES
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Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director-General (Quality and Access), GES
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D. W. Agbenyo, WAEC
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Rosemond Wilson (PhD), WAEC
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Mr. Augustus Agyemfra, CODE
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Mr. David Odjidja, CHASS
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Addo Nicholas Nii Kpakpoe, COHBS
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Prince Charles Agyemang-Duah, Schools & Instructions Division, GES
