Gov’t pledges GHc1 billion to end double track system in SHSs – Haruna 

The government has set aside GHC1 billion in the 2026 GETFund formula to support the phasing out of the double track system in Senior High Schools (SHSs), Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has said.

Speaking at the Accra Girls Senior High School, he said the allocation forms part of efforts to ensure quality education delivery at the secondary level.

“We remain committed to ending the double track system as our contribution to continuing the quality Senior High School education,” he stated.

“Accordingly, into the 2026 formula of the GETFund, President Mahama has directed the Minister of Finance, Ato Forson, to make an allocation of GH1 billion dedicated to managing the transition and responding to the hurdles of the transition.”

The double-track system was introduced in 2018 to accommodate the surge in SHS enrollment following the rollout of the Free SHS policy. Under the system, students were divided into two groups, green and gold tracks, who attended school at different times within the academic year.

Mr. Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, assuring the public that it will not be discontinued.

He added that the government will explore and implement additional measures, such as digital solutions, to expand access to quality education.

“Free Senior High School has come to stay,” he stated. “His administration would work to enhance the program by investing in infrastructure and improving literacy and numeracy rates across the country.”

While it increased access by allowing more students into limited classroom space, the system also drew criticism from parents, teachers, and education stakeholders for overburdening teachers, compressing teaching time, and disrupting family routines.

In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) had pledged to abolish the double-track system, describing it as unsustainable for quality education.

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According to the Education Minister, the dedicated allocation will address the infrastructural and logistical challenges that made the double track necessary, paving the way for its gradual elimination.