Free SHS: Gov’t moves to end double-track system – Haruna Iddrisu
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has confirmed that government is taking decisive steps to phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools (SHSs), citing its negative impact on the quality of education under the Free SHS policy.
Speaking at a media briefing on Sunday, August 24, 2025, Mr. Iddrisu admitted that while the double-track arrangement was introduced to address congestion in schools, it has since reduced contact hours and study time, thereby undermining learning outcomes.
“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,” he stated.
According to him, government’s plan to abolish the system rests on three pillars: expanding infrastructure to accommodate more students, strengthening digital resources to support learning, and allowing private SHSs to absorb qualified students in order to ease the pressure on public schools.
To ensure a smooth transition, an 11-member committee has been inaugurated to develop a roadmap for reverting to the single-track calendar. The committee, chaired by Prof. Peter Grant of the University of Cape Coast, is expected to review the 2024/2025 academic calendar and make recommendations for a full phase-out.
Other members of the committee include Prof. Godwin Awabil and Prof. Samuel Atintono from the University of Cape Coast and PRINCOF respectively, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi and Dr. Munawaru Issahaque from the Ghana Education Service, representatives from WAEC, as well as leaders from CODE, CHASS, COHBS and the GES Schools & Instructions Division.
Mr. Iddrisu stressed that government remains committed to ensuring that Free SHS delivers not only access but also quality education. “This reform is essential to protect the gains of Free SHS and to ensure that Ghanaian students are adequately prepared for the future,” he noted.
The announcement has rekindled debate over the sustainability of Free SHS and the balance between access and quality, as the education sector prepares for a significant policy shift in the coming academic years.
