Ghana’s Education Reform: Phasing Out the Double Track System and Returning 99 Schools to Single Track

In a significant move to enhance the quality of secondary education, the Ghanaian government has initiated the process of phasing out the controversial double track system, with 99 Senior High Schools (SHSs) reverting to the traditional single track system starting in October 2025. This decision, announced by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and supported by the Ministry of Education, marks a pivotal step in addressing longstanding concerns about the double track system’s impact on educational outcomes. This blog explores the background of the double track system, the reasons for its phase-out, the implications of reverting to the single track system, and the broader educational reforms accompanying this transition.

The Double Track System: A Temporary Solution to Infrastructure Challenges

Introduced in 2018 under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration, the double track system was designed as a temporary measure to address the surge in student enrollment following the implementation of the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy. The FSHS policy, a flagship initiative, aimed to provide equitable access to secondary education for all Ghanaian students, significantly increasing the number of students eligible for SHS. However, this influx strained existing school infrastructure, as many schools lacked sufficient classrooms, dormitories, and other facilities to accommodate all students simultaneously.

To manage this challenge, the double track system divided students into two groups—Green Track and Gold Track—alternating their attendance in a semester-based calendar. This allowed schools to accommodate more students using the same facilities, effectively doubling their capacity. For instance, while one group attended classes, the other was on vacation, enabling schools to manage overcrowding. According to data from 2018, the system was implemented in over 400 SHSs to accommodate an additional 180,000 students, with projections estimating enrollment growth from 361,771 in 2017 to 472,730 in the 2018/2019 academic year—a 30.7% increase.

While the double track system succeeded in expanding access to education, it faced significant criticism. Education stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and civil society groups, argued that it compromised the quality of education by reducing contact hours between students and teachers, compressing academic schedules, and creating logistical challenges. The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, acknowledged these issues, stating that the system “has negatively impacted the quality and outcomes of education under the Free SHS policy” due to reduced study time and contact hours.

The Decision to Phase Out the Double Track System

The decision to phase out the double track system aligns with the campaign promises of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and President John Mahama, who committed to abolishing the system following their victory in the 2024 elections. The process began earlier than anticipated, with 99 schools transitioning back to the single track system for the 2025/2026 academic year, starting October 31, 2025. This move follows increased budgetary allocations to the FSHS policy and investments in infrastructure, supported by a dedicated funding source, likely the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

The GES, through its Public Relations Officer Daniel Fenyi, emphasized that the reversion to the single track system aims to create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning. The single track system allows for a continuous academic calendar, reducing disruptions and enabling better planning for extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, and cultural programs. Fenyi noted that this change would “ease congestion, improve academic planning, and provide a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.” Additionally, it is expected to reduce pressure on students, enhance school community life, and improve parental and community engagement.

The phase-out is being overseen by an 11-member committee chaired by Prof. Peter Grant of the University of Cape Coast. The committee, which includes representatives from key educational institutions, is tasked with reviewing the 2024/2025 academic calendar, aligning the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) timetable with other West African countries, and developing a comprehensive roadmap for the complete elimination of the double track system by 2027.

Benefits of Reverting to the Single Track System

The transition to the single track system is expected to yield several benefits for students, teachers, and the broader educational system:

1. Improved Academic Outcomes: The single track system restores a traditional, uninterrupted academic calendar, allowing teachers to dedicate more time to students. This addresses the reduced contact hours under the double track system, which critics argued compromised learning outcomes. By having all students present simultaneously, teachers can provide consistent instruction and support, fostering better academic performance.
2. Enhanced Extracurricular Activities: The single track system enables schools to organize clubs, sports, and cultural activities more effectively, as the entire student body will be present at the same time. This fosters stronger peer bonding, holistic development, and a more vibrant school community.
3. Reduced Stress for Students and Parents: The double track system’s alternating schedules created stress for students due to compressed learning periods and caused confusion for parents due to unpredictable academic calendars. The single track system offers a more balanced and predictable schedule, alleviating these pressures.
4. Cost-Effectiveness and Administrative Efficiency: The single track system reduces the administrative and operational complexities associated with managing two separate tracks. This allows schools to streamline resources and focus on delivering quality education.
5. Parental and Community Engagement: A consistent academic calendar facilitates better engagement between schools, parents, and communities, as parents can plan around a predictable timetable. This strengthens the support system for students and enhances governance through reactivated Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs).

Challenges and Considerations in the Transition

While the phase-out of the double track system is a welcome development, it is not without challenges. The primary hurdle is infrastructure. Many SHSs still lack adequate classrooms, dormitories, and other facilities to accommodate all students simultaneously. The government has invested significantly in infrastructure, with projects like the completion of E-Block facilities and the expansion of existing campuses under the GETFund. However, ensuring that all schools have the necessary resources by 2027 remains a critical task.

Another challenge is funding. The increased budgetary allocations to the FSHS policy are a positive step, but sustaining this investment requires careful financial planning. The integration of private schools into the FSHS framework, as proposed by Minister Iddrisu, could alleviate some pressure by absorbing qualified students, but this approach requires oversight to maintain quality and equity.

Additionally, the transition must be carefully managed to avoid disruptions to the academic calendar. The committee’s work in refining the 2025/2026 academic calendar and aligning the WASSCE timetable will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition. Schools still operating under the double track system will continue to do so alongside single track schools until the phase-out is complete, requiring coordination to maintain educational continuity.

Broader Educational Reforms

The phase-out of the double track system is part of a broader package of educational reforms aimed at improving access, quality, and equity. Key initiatives include:

• Construction of New Schools: Starting in 2025, all districts are directed to build nursery, primary, and junior high schools using resources from the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF). This aims to expand access to quality basic education.
• Reactivation of PTAs: PTAs are being reactivated to strengthen governance and discipline in schools, fostering greater community involvement.
• Free Sanitary Pads for School Girls: This initiative addresses gender-specific barriers to education, ensuring girls can attend school consistently.
• No Fee Stress Policy: SHS graduates admitted to tertiary institutions will benefit from a policy that eliminates financial barriers to higher education.
• Support for Special Needs Schools: Feeding grants for special needs schools are being introduced to enhance inclusivity.
• Digital Learning Resources: The government is investing in digital learning to complement infrastructure improvements, with initiatives like MOE TV and the Ghana Virtual High School to provide online learning opportunities.

Public Sentiment and Future Outlook

Public sentiment, as reflected on platforms like X, is mixed but largely critical of the double track system. Some users have called it a “dumb policy” that compromised educational quality, while others acknowledge its role in expanding access but argue it created logistical challenges. The phase-out has been welcomed by many, with media outlets like TV3 Ghana reporting that the move signals “the beginning of the end” for the policy.

Looking ahead, the complete phase-out of the double track system by 2027 will require sustained investment, stakeholder collaboration, and careful planning. The government’s commitment to infrastructure expansion, curriculum reform, and digital learning is promising, but the success of these initiatives will depend on effective implementation and monitoring. The transition to the single track system represents a return to a “tried and tested” model that prioritizes quality education, and with the right support, it could significantly enhance Ghana’s secondary education system.

Conclusion

The Ghanaian government’s decision to phase out the double track system and revert 99 schools to the single track system in 2025 is a bold step toward improving educational outcomes. By addressing the challenges of reduced contact hours, compressed schedules, and logistical complexities, the transition aims to create a more conducive learning environment. While infrastructure and funding challenges remain, the broader reforms accompanying this shift demonstrate a comprehensive approach to educational improvement. As Ghana moves toward a single track system by 2027, the focus must remain on ensuring equitable access, quality teaching, and holistic student development.

About The Author