The government has unveiled a new commitment to discontinue the double-track system across all senior high schools by 2027, marking a major shift in the country’s approach to secondary education.
During the presentation of the 2026 national budget to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed that the transition will commence next year. According to him, government will channel significant resources into expanding school infrastructure, strengthening the teaching workforce, and improving academic facilities to return all SHS students to a unified academic calendar.
Dr. Forson outlined plans to revive 30 stalled E-Block projects and modernize 40 existing senior high schools, interventions expected to create more classrooms and ease congestion the primary reason the double-track arrangement was adopted.
“Beginning 2026, an extensive education expansion programme will roll out to eliminate the double-track and guarantee that every student enjoys uninterrupted, full-time schooling,” he stated.
He further explained that the Education Ministry will collaborate with GETFund and GSLIP to ensure the timely completion of these projects.
Other key areas of focus include hiring more teachers, supplying adequate furniture, and upgrading science and ICT facilities to improve teaching quality and overall academic performance.
The double-track system, introduced in 2018 under the Free SHS policy to cope with growing enrolment numbers, placed students on alternating schedules due to limited infrastructure. Although it widened access to education, it attracted criticism for affecting instructional flow and increasing pressure on educators.
