Free SHS: Govt Initiates Steps to Revert to Single-track System

The government of Ghana has taken the first step towards reverting from a double-track system to a single-track system under the free Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHSTS).

An eleven-member committee comprising representatives from various institutions was set up by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, to develop a roadmap for the transition on Thursday, March 27, 2025.

The Committee headed by Prof. Peter Grant of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), is mandated to review the 2024/2025 academic calendar; realign the WASCCE calendar with other West African countries; and provide a roadmap for reversing the SHS/SHSTS double-track system to a single-track system.

Members of the Committee are Prof. Godwin Awabil a representative of the University of Cape Coast (UCC); Prof. Samuel A. Atintono from PRINCOF; Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi (Mrs.), the Deputy Director-General (Management Service) of the GES; and Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, the Deputy Director-General (Quality and Access) of the GES.

Also included are D. W. Agbenyo from WAEC, Rosemond Wilson (PhD) from WAEC, Mr Augustus Agyemfra from CODE, Mr David Odjidja from CHASS, Addo Nicholas Nii Kpakpoe from COHBS and Prince Charles Agyemang-Duah from the GES.

Double Track System
The former government after introducing the Free SHS policy adopted the double-track system to address the surge in enrolment in second-cycle institutions, dividing students into two groups, or “tracks”, attending classes at alternate times

This was intended to maximize the use of existing resources.

The tracks, often labelled “Green” and “Gold”, follow separate academic schedules, with one track attending classes while the other is on break, ensuring both receive the required instructional days throughout the year.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini