Education minister urges  gradual transition from double-track to avoid student displacement

The Minister for  Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has cautioned against the proposed elimination of the double-track system.

The double-track system was introduced in 2017 as part of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to manage the increasing enrollment in secondary schools. 

This approach was designed to maximise the use of limited school facilities and resources, allowing more students to access secondary education without requiring the immediate construction of new schools.

But the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), who has criticised the policy says it will end  double-track system if elected in the 2024 polls.

Speaking to clergy in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, October 29, the Education Minister stressed that a careful, phased transition is essential to prevent disruption for thousands of students across the country.

He said abolishing the initiative  could have significant repercussions if rushed.

Dr. Adutwum highlighted ongoing government efforts to expand school infrastructure as a means of accommodating the rising number of students while gradually phasing out the double-track approach.

“When double track was implemented, it was in response to soaring enrolment levels in secondary schools, particularly in category A schools,” he said. 

“Today, some schools like Tamale Senior High have already moved away from double track thanks to new facilities, and more are expected to follow.”

He stressed that the system’s gradual elimination requires an expansion of infrastructure. “Without double track, institutions like Prempeh College and Presec would struggle to admit new students. 

Cancel it suddenly, and we’d have around 1,500 students without space this year alone,” he noted.

Dr. Adutwum assued that the government will continue to prioritise facility expansion to ensure a smooth transition and avoid educational disruptions for students.

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