The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has cautioned against calls to eliminate the double-track system in secondary education, stressing that doing so could limit access to free senior high school education for many Ghanaian students.
Dr. Adutwum’s comments follow rising concerns from some stakeholders who argue that the double-track system should be abolished.
However, he asserts that the system plays a crucial role in expanding educational access and ensuring that more students benefit from the government’s Free Senior High School policy.
Speaking with Citi News during an unannounced visit to Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Dr. Adutwum explained the importance of the double-track system. He highlighted that it was introduced to address facility limitations in high-demand schools, allowing for greater enrollment despite existing infrastructure constraints.
Dr. Adutwum noted that as schools expand their facilities, some have already transitioned away from the double-track system. Nevertheless, he emphasized that until more schools can accommodate larger numbers of students, the double-track system remains essential.
“This year, several schools are moving away from double track because they now have adequate facilities. Every young person in Ghana wants to attend PRESEC. What does that mean for us as a nation? We need to expand facilities to allow more students to attend PRESEC,” he said.
“But until those facilities are available, it makes sense to divide PRESEC’s student body, with one-third at home while two-thirds attend. When enough buildings are in place, all students can be on campus simultaneously. This approach is well thought out,” he added.
Dr. Adutwum further noted that the double-track system is used in countries worldwide, including the United States, and has proven to yield better educational outcomes than the previous single-track system.
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