President Mahama reiterates commitment to end Double-Track SHS system

President John Mahama, Ghana's ex-president, has reaffirmed his administration's resolve to phase out the Double-Track System in senior high schools (SHSs). By the end of 2027, he promised, no school would continue with this system, ensuring all students attend and vacate at the same time. This change would increase contact hours between teachers and learners, improving educational outcomes.

The President made these remarks during a Citizens’ Engagement in Wa, marking the end of his two-day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Upper West Region. He revealed that the World Bank had granted a $300 million facility to help eliminate the double-track system.

President Mahama highlighted the difficulties his government encountered when implementing the Free Senior High School program without a stable funding source. Schools had to wait for delayed budget releases annually, leading to shortages of food and other resources. Some schools resorted to feeding students with whatever items were available due to irregular supplies.

The government has since established dedicated funding for SHSs and student feeding programs, significantly reducing headmasters' complaints about inadequate funding, according to the President. The recent West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, which sparked public debate, indicated genuine student performance, partly due to improved invigilation and reduced organized examination malpractice.

President Mahama expressed satisfaction with these results, emphasizing that students succeed when they learn, and teachers teach with integrity.