By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that 99 senior high schools previously running the double-track system have now reverted to the traditional single-track arrangement.
This follows an increase in budgetary support for the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme through a dedicated funding source. The additional financial backing has enabled the government to expand infrastructure, improve teaching and learning conditions, and ease congestion in schools.
The double-track system, introduced in 2018, was designed as a temporary measure to accommodate the sharp rise in SHS enrollment resulting from the rollout of Free SHS. While it created access for thousands of students, it was met with concerns over reduced contact hours, pressure on school facilities, and management challenges.
According to GES, the return of these 99 schools to the single-track calendar is a major milestone in addressing the capacity constraints that initially necessitated the policy. The Service reaffirmed its long-term goal of restoring all schools nationwide to the traditional calendar.
In addition to the single-track restoration, GES highlighted several significant interventions to strengthen the education sector:
Funding Support: GH¢1 billion has been paid into the Free SHS programme, while GH¢2.9 billion has been released to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). Capitation grant arrears amounting to GH¢72.8 million have also been cleared.
School Feeding Programme: GH¢895 million has been paid for basic schools, with an increase in the feeding budget per child. Feeding grants for special needs schools have also been settled.
Teacher Welfare: GH¢52 million has been disbursed as Teacher Training Allowances. Teachers are now eligible for promotion to director rank, while over 30,000 diploma teachers who pursued further studies have been placed on the PS scale. Additionally, the controversial teacher licensure exams for graduates have been cancelled.
Examinations Support: GH¢122.8 million has been paid for BECE registration, and WASSCE practical fees have been fully covered.
Infrastructure Development: All stalled E-Block projects are to be revisited, and government has directed districts to build new Nursery, Primary, and JHS facilities from the 2025 District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
Student Support: A free sanitary pad initiative has been launched for all schoolgirls, aimed at improving attendance and retention. PTAs are being reactivated to strengthen school governance and discipline.
Tertiary Transition: GH¢300 million has been released for the No Fee Stress Policy, ensuring that all SHS graduates who gained admission into tertiary institutions benefit from free admission processes.
Education analysts and parents have welcomed these interventions, particularly the restoration of schools to the single-track system, describing it as a crucial step toward improving quality and stability in education delivery. However, they have called on government to ensure sustained investment in infrastructure and human resources to make the gains permanent.
The GES reaffirmed its commitment to improving access, equity, and quality in Ghana’s education system, stressing that the reforms are part of a broader strategy to align with global standards while addressing local challenges.
