Government to phase out double-track system in senior high schools by 2027

The government has announced plans to completely phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools (SHS) by the year 2027. This decision is part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing the quality and structure of secondary education across the country.

The double-track system, which was introduced in 2018, was a temporary measure to manage the sharp rise in student numbers following the implementation of the Free SHS policy. While it enabled more students to access education, it also created concerns about reduced contact hours, academic pressure, and strained infrastructure.

According to the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, efforts are already underway to transition schools back to a single-track system. The government is focusing on expanding infrastructure, revising the current curriculum, and streamlining how educational funds such as the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) are used to support this shift.

He added that GETFund will continue to play a key role in funding school construction and upgrades to ensure that all students can be accommodated under the single-track system.

The government has also signaled its intention to widen access to secondary education by integrating selected private schools into the Free SHS placement system. This move is expected to ease pressure on public schools and allow thousands more students to secure placements.

Already, a significant number of schools have moved back to the single-track system, thanks to ongoing infrastructure projects. The plan is to maintain this momentum so that by 2027, the double-track arrangement will no longer be necessary.

By: Linda Akite