Education Minister warns of SHS placement pressure as infrastructure gaps persist

The Ministry of Education has cautioned about the challenges faced during the annual Senior High School (SHS) placement process due to persistent infrastructure gaps within Ghana's education system. The ministry's spokesperson, Hashmin Mohammed, highlighted during a recent appearance on Super Morning Show that while Free SHS has expanded access and enrollment, infrastructure development has not kept pace with the growing demand.

The spokesperson acknowledged the policy's success but noted that the lack of adequate infrastructure has made schools less attractive and hindered efforts to improve quality outcomes. Addressing this issue, the Ministry has launched the STaR-J Project, aimed at tackling infrastructure deficits. However, some Category A schools, including esteemed institutions such as Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School and Prempeh College, continue to experience pressure due to limited capacity and high student demand.

Mohammed stated that these schools currently lack the necessary infrastructure to accommodate all prospective students. The ministry plans to enhance infrastructure in selected Category A, as well as some Category B and Category C schools, to alleviate the pressure on existing facilities. However, Mohammed cautioned that resolving these challenges will take time, as construction and upgrading works are not immediate solutions.

The ministry expects to have the necessary infrastructure ready within two academic years, with some projects projected to be completed within approximately 18 months after approval and implementation. Despite these challenges, the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that every qualified student receives placement in a Senior High School.