Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has cautioned against calls to abolish the double-track system in Ghana’s secondary education, emphasizing its importance in ensuring access to Free Senior High School (SHS) for a larger number of students.
Dr. Adutwum warned that removing the double-track structure could restrict access to secondary education for many students, which would hinder the government’s goal of expanding educational opportunities. His remarks come amid increasing demands from some stakeholders to discontinue the system, with critics arguing that it disrupts student learning and overburdens resources.
However, Dr. Adutwum defended the double-track approach, describing it as a temporary yet necessary measure to address the rising demand for secondary education in the country. During an unannounced visit to Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), he explained that the double-track system was introduced to help schools with limited infrastructure accommodate more students than they otherwise could, allowing more Ghanaian youth to benefit from the Free SHS policy.
Dr. Adutwum noted that as schools expand their facilities, some have already transitioned away from the double-track system, illustrating the government’s commitment to eventually return to a single-track model. He stressed that the ultimate goal is to build the infrastructure needed to support larger student populations in high-demand schools, making the double-track system unnecessary in the long term.
“This year, several schools are moving away from double-track because they have sufficient facilities,” he said. “For instance, many students want to attend PRESEC. What does that mean for us as a nation? We need to expand facilities so that PRESEC can accommodate more students.”
He added, “Until those facilities are in place, it makes sense to divide the PRESEC student body. By keeping one group at home while the other two are on campus, we can make room for everyone until additional buildings are available.”
Dr. Adutwum also highlighted that the double-track system is backed by research and has been successfully used in other countries, including the United States. He cited PRESEC’s improved outcomes under the double-track system as evidence of its effectiveness, stating, “If double-track were so detrimental, why has PRESEC implemented it with better results than when there was no double-track?”
He urged Ghanaians to be patient as the government works to improve school infrastructure, ensuring no child is denied education due to facility constraints.
