Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has cautioned against the hasty abolition of the double-track system, warning that an abrupt end to the system could have lasting consequences on students’ futures. His remarks come in response to a pledge by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to eliminate the double-track system if elected in the 2024 elections.
Dr. Adutwum stressed that phasing out the system must be done strategically by first expanding facilities to accommodate more students. He highlighted that the government has already made progress through the Ministry of Education by constructing additional accommodation facilities in several schools and gradually phasing out the double-track system, with plans to extend this process to more institutions.
During a presentation on the State of Ghana’s Education to the clergy in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, October 29, Dr Adutwum emphasized that cancelling the double-track system purely for political motives would risk creating further educational challenges.
“When the concept of the double track was introduced in Ghana, it was to meet the increased demand in enrolment in our High Schools, especially the category A schools. So, it will surprise you to know that a number of the schools are no longer double-double track, even those schools with double track, we have transition calendars.
“A school like Tamale Senior School (SHS) is no longer double-track we’re working for Opoku Ware Senior High School, and it’s likely that it will not be double-track this coming academic year. Because the government had built more facilities there.
Some people come here to argue that we should abolish the double-track system, but I think they don’t fully understand the implications of their proposal. “If you eliminate the double track at Prempeh College today, they won’t be able to enrol a single student. Presec won’t accept any students either. If we decide to cancel the double track system, 1,500 students who are supposed to enrol this year will be left without a place, and they won’t be able to attend school. “Should we really abolish it for political reasons and potentially deny 1,500 students the opportunity to attend Opoku Ware? It’s up to us to choose, but that choice could have disastrous consequences.”
