Feature

Mahama to abolish the double-track system in senior secondary schools

The double-track system in senior secondary schools in Ghana has been met with criticism and concerns due to several disadvantages, including:

Disruption of academic calendar: The double-track system divides the academic year into two semesters, with one group of students attending school while the other is on break. This disrupts the traditional academic calendar and can lead to challenges in planning and scheduling of exams, holidays, and other school activities.

Quality of education: The double-track system may compromise the quality of education as teachers have to handle a larger number of students within a shorter period of time. This can result in limited interaction between teachers and students, reduced personalised attention, and potentially lower academic performance.

Increased workload for teachers: Teachers in schools operating under the double-track system may face increased workload and stress due to the larger class sizes and shorter teaching periods. This can impact the quality of teaching and learning, as well as the overall well-being of teachers.

Limited extracurricular activities: The double-track system may limit the availability of extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, and other enrichment programmes, as students are on different tracks and may not have the same opportunities to participate in these activities.

Overall, the double-track system in senior secondary schools in Ghana has raised concerns about its impact on the academic calendar, quality of education, workload for teachers, availability of extracurricular activities, and access to resources. Addressing these disadvantages will be crucial in ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality and uninterrupted education.

It is along the same vein that Former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to abolish the double-track system in senior secondary schools if he is re-elected as president in the December 7 polls on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress .

The double-track system was introduced in 2018 as a temporary measure to address the issue of overcrowding in senior high schools following the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy.

Mahama has criticised the double-track system, stating that it disrupts the academic calendar, affects the quality of education, and puts undue pressure on teachers and students. He has pledged to invest in infrastructure and resources to eliminate the need for the double-track system and ensure that all students have access to uninterrupted education.

By promising to abolish the double-track system, Mahama is highlighting the importance of providing quality education to all students and addressing the challenges faced by the education system in Ghana. Fulfilling this promise could lead to improvements in the quality of education, better learning outcomes for students, and a more efficient and effective education system in the country.

Anthony Obeng Afrane