64.7% of Ghanaians say double-track system has worsened SHS education – IEA poll

A recent nationwide poll conducted by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) indicates that the majority of Ghanaians believe the double-track system has negatively impacted Senior High School (SHS) education quality. According to the survey, 64.7% of respondents think the system has lowered secondary education standards. Only 20.2% of respondents view the system as beneficial, with 14.7% stating it has had no effect and 0.2% expressing no opinion.

The IEA claims the poll reveals that while the system has expanded secondary education access, it may have compromised education quality. The double-track system, introduced in 2018 under the Akufo-Addo administration's Free SHS policy, aims to address school infrastructure pressure by dividing students into two groups that alternate school attendance.

Despite helping the government manage the surge in SHS enrollment, the IEA acknowledges lingering concerns about the system's effects on education quality. The IEA polled 1,062 respondents across Ghana's 16 regions to gauge public sentiment on the Double-Track System and plans for subsequent infrastructure expansion to eventually phase it out.