By: Emmanuel Amoah
The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has announced that 70% of Senior High Schools (SHS) currently operating under the double-track system will revert to the single-track system in the upcoming academic year. This shift is part of the government’s efforts to ensure schools with adequate capacity are provided with the necessary infrastructure to accommodate their students on a single-track schedule.
Dr. Adutwum made this announcement during the 2024 Ghana Teacher Prize ceremony, hosted by the National Teaching Council (NTC) in Kumasi. The event, held under the theme “Valuing Teacher Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” encouraged discussions on how teachers can be more involved in decision-making within the education sector.
Sixteen educators and non-teaching staff were recognized in various categories, including awards for the Best Differentiated Learning Practice Teacher, Best Kindergarten Teacher, Best Primary School Teacher, and the Most Outstanding School Teacher.
Dr. Adutwum also revealed that construction work at Opoku Ware Senior High School would soon commence to facilitate its transition to the single-track system. Additionally, the Ministry of Education (MOE) is collaborating with the GETFund and other partners to distribute tablets to schools, aiming to enhance digital learning. These devices will allow students to complete classwork and homework digitally, with teachers grading and assessing the assignments directly on the tablets.
In line with the government’s ongoing investment in educational reform, Dr. Adutwum highlighted several initiatives, including the establishment of MOE TV—a dedicated channel for educational content—and the launch of the Ghana Virtual High School, which will offer online high school education.
Commending teachers for their dedication despite challenges, Dr. Adutwum emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring quality education across all levels.
Rev. Isaac Owusu, President of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), also addressed the gathering, noting that the Ghana Teacher Prize coincided with World Teacher Day, an occasion that honors the contributions of teachers globally. He highlighted GNAT’s efforts to improve teaching conditions and provide professional development opportunities, such as the recent training of 1,200 teachers from the Ashanti, Eastern, and Volta Regions.
Rev. Owusu praised the government for this year’s 25% salary increase for teachers and expressed hope for a 50% increase next year. He also urged the government to take urgent action against the environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, warning of the risks it poses to Ghana’s water bodies and the wellbeing of its citizens.
