President Mahama Pledges to End Double-Track SHS System by 2027 with $300m World Bank Support

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the government's commitment to eliminating the double-track system in senior high schools (SHS) by the end of 2027. Speaking during a Citizens’ Engagement in Wa and other town hall meetings, the President detailed a comprehensive plan to ensure all students attend and vacate school simultaneously, thereby increasing teacher-student contact hours. To support this transition, the government has secured a $300 million facility from the World Bank, which will be utilized to expand infrastructure and resources necessary to accommodate the student population under a single-track calendar.

In addition to infrastructure expansion, President Mahama announced the establishment of dedicated funding for the Free SHS program. This initiative is designed to expedite financial support directly to schools, addressing previous delays that hampered administrative operations. The President noted that these measures have already begun to show results, specifically highlighting improvements in the food supply for students and a significant reduction in complaints from school headmasters regarding resource shortages. By ring-fencing these funds, the government aims to provide a more stable and predictable environment for secondary education.

Addressing academic standards, President Mahama expressed satisfaction with the most recent West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. He asserted that the current scores reflect the "genuine performance" of students, attributing the success to enhanced invigilation and a concerted effort to reduce examination malpractice. He emphasized that maintaining the integrity of assessments is paramount to ensuring that Ghanaian certificates remain competitive and respected internationally. The President urged educators to continue prioritizing integrity in teaching and learning as the foundation of the nation's educational reforms.

Furthermore, the President moved to clarify public discourse regarding the national curriculum. He stated that there is no official policy or Cabinet approval for the introduction of Arabic or Chinese as compulsory subjects in the public school curriculum. While acknowledging that foreign languages like Chinese and Arabic are available as options in existing Islamic educational structures or for upper primary levels, he emphasized that any significant curricular alterations require formal Cabinet approval and sufficient teacher availability. He urged the public to rely on official government communications to avoid the spread of unverified claims regarding foundational learning subjects.

These combined efforts—ranging from the $300 million infrastructure boost to the streamlining of Free SHS funding—form the backbone of the Mahama administration's strategy to "reset" the education sector. By phasing out the double-track system by 2027 and focusing on exam integrity, the government seeks to restore quality and equity to Ghana's secondary education system, ensuring that every student has access to a consistent and high-quality learning experience.