Ghana to Phase Out Double-Track System by 2027 – Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Reveals

 

In a significant policy announcement, the Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has revealed that the Government of Ghana is working towards phasing out the double-track system at the Senior High School (SHS) level by the year 2027.

The Minister made this known during an engagement with members of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) at a strategic meeting held in Sunyani, in the Bono Region.

According to Haruna Iddrisu, this move is part of a broader reform agenda to improve the quality and accessibility of secondary education in the country. He emphasized that the government will introduce key structural changes including curriculum revisions and reforms in the administration of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to support the transition.

We are working to revise the curriculum… If the government is to succeed in ending the double-track system not later than Monday you should have a board so that all expenditures are properly approved by the board, the Minister noted.

The double-track system introduced in 2018 under the Free SHS policy was designed to accommodate the increasing number of students entering senior high schools. While it helped to address issues of overcrowding and limited infrastructure, it has been met with criticism over its impact on teaching and learning quality.

Haruna Iddrisu assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to investing in education and human capital development. He stated that GETFund will continue to play a vital role in financing the expansion and improvement of school infrastructure across the country to ensure that no student is left behind.

We expect that by the year 2027 the double-track system will be a thing of the past, he said confidently.

The Education Minister’s announcement has been welcomed by many educationists and stakeholders who have long advocated for a return to a single-track system, citing the need for consistent academic calendars and improved learning environments.

As the 2027 target approaches, the Ministry of Education is expected to roll out detailed plans and timelines to ensure a smooth and sustainable transition. The reform is seen as a critical step in strengthening Ghana’s education system and preparing the next generation for global competitiveness.