Double-Track under Free SHS Policy has negatively affected education - Haruna Iddrisu

0 Shares

Post Views: 59

Based on the information provided and a search of recent news, here is a polished and extended version of the text, with sources.

Education Minister Criticizes Double-Track System, Vows to End It

The Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has strongly criticized the double-track system, a key component of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, citing its negative impact on the quality of education in Ghana. Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Mr. Iddrisu explained that the system, initially introduced to manage the high influx of students and ease congestion in Senior High Schools (SHSs), has negatively affected learning outcomes by reducing contact hours and study time for students.

According to the Minister, “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 less study time, which affects their performance.” This sentiment aligns with a growing body of criticism from educational stakeholders, including civil society organizations and academics, who have long argued that the arrangement compromises educational standards. A study published in the International Journal of Emerging Trends in Social Sciences highlights concerns among teachers regarding the potential for an incomplete syllabus due to the reduced time students spend in school.

In response to these concerns, the government, under the leadership of the new administration, has initiated a plan to phase out the double-track system. Mr. Iddrisu outlined a three-pronged strategy to achieve this goal:

Infrastructure Expansion: The government will undertake massive investments to expand the existing infrastructure in public SHSs to accommodate the increasing number of students. This includes completing abandoned classroom block projects and building new facilities.
Enhanced Digital Learning Resources: The ministry plans to strengthen digital learning tools to supplement traditional instruction and ensure students have access to quality education, even outside of regular school hours.
Integration of Private Schools: The government will work to integrate qualified private senior high schools into the Free SHS policy, allowing them to absorb a significant number of students and thereby easing the enrollment pressure on public institutions.

To oversee this transition, the Ministry of Education has established an 11-member expert committee chaired by Professor Peter Grant of the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The committee is tasked with reviewing the 2024/2025 academic calendar and developing a comprehensive roadmap for a gradual return to a single-track system. The Minister expressed confidence that these proposed reforms will restore fairness to the educational system, reduce congestion, and provide students with more productive learning hours.

Sources:

International Journal of Emerging Trends in Social Sciences. “Teachers’ Perspective on Implementation of the Double Track Senior High School System in Ghana.” (This is a broader academic source that supports the general argument about the system’s impact on quality).

Myjoyonline. “Double-track system undermining education quality – Education Minister laments.” August 25, 2025.

Citinewsroom. “Free SHS: Double-track has negatively affected education – Haruna Iddrisu.” August 25, 2025.

News Ghana. “Ghana Moves to Abolish Double-Track System in Senior High Schools.” August 25, 2025.