MoE tasks committee to reverse ‘SHS’ double-track to single-track
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has inaugurated a Committee to develop a roadmap for transitioning Senior High Schools and Senior High Technical Schools from the double-track system back to a single-track system.
The double-track system was introduced by the erstwhile Nana Akufo-Addo government to contain enrolment in various government second-cycle schools across the country amid the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
But in a social media post sighted by Pretertiary.com, the Education Ministry said the Committee tasked to phase out the double-track system will be chaired by Professor Peter Grant of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
Other members of the committee include representatives from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the Ghana Education Service (GES), and other key stakeholders in the education sector.
It said the mandate of the committee is to assess the current system, consult widely, and propose practical solutions that will ensure a smooth transition without compromising access and quality.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Honourable Minister for Education emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the education sector, ensuring that all students receive uninterrupted learning opportunities.
“The Ministry looks forward to the committee’s recommendations and remains committed to implementing policies that enhance quality education for all Ghanaian students,” the Education Ministry said in the social media post.
The set-up of the committee to develop a roadmap for moving from the double-track system back to a single-track system is in line with the John Mahama government’s commitment to maintain the free Senior High School programme but phase out the double-track system.
In his first State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, President John Mahama pledged to eliminate the double track system, which he acknowledged remains a challenge for students, teachers, and parents alike.
“I, John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, will not cancel the Free SHS programme. I will not cancel the Free SHS programme. I am determined to make it better by improving its implementation,” he stated.
He added, “Mr. Speaker, the double-track system remains a challenge, and we are committed to eliminating it by accelerating the expansion of school infrastructure and completing stalled educational projects. To fund this, the Education and Finance Ministries are working to unlock the GES Fund to speed up projects in secondary schools.”
The President acknowledged that while the Free SHS programme has improved access, its implementation has room for improvement. He stated that the outcomes of the ongoing National Education Forum would guide the necessary reforms in the sector.
“Mr Speaker, while the Free SHS programme has improved access, the implementation of the programme leaves much to be desired. The outcomes of the ongoing National Education Forum will guide our reform efforts in this sector
Mr Speaker, in line with our promise, the Minister for Education has announced the restoration of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in the management of schools. It is crucial for parents and communities to actively participate in the administration of their schools,” His Excellency Mahama told Parliament.
