The government has set 2029 as the target to completely phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools (SHSs) through a major infrastructure expansion programme under the new STAR-G Project, Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has announced.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Mr. Iddrisu said the decision forms part of the government’s review of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy following the National Education Forum held in Ho.
He said while the Free SHS policy has significantly expanded access to secondary education, inadequate investment in infrastructure has left many schools struggling to accommodate the growing student population.
“We promised to review the Free Senior High School policy. President Mahama has kept faith. The policy has come to stay, but with a commitment to tighten and improve it through expanded infrastructure, improved feeding and strengthened quality assurance,” he said.
To address the infrastructure deficit, the Minister disclosed that Cabinet has approved the STAR-G Project, a US$331 million initiative aimed at expanding access to secondary education while improving the quality and relevance of teaching and learning.
According to him, the project will benefit 210 senior high schools, senior high technical schools and TVET institutions across the country.
The programme includes the rehabilitation of 150 schools, comprising 112 senior high schools and 38 TVET institutions, alongside the expansion of classrooms, dormitories and science laboratories.
Government also plans to upgrade 30 Category C schools to Category B status and 20 Category B schools to Category A, while additional GETFund allocations from 2027 will support infrastructure expansion in Category A schools.
Mr. Iddrisu said the project is expected to significantly ease pressure on schools currently operating the double-track system.
“There is a consultant to end the double-track system. That’s why we are introducing the STAR-G initiative. By 2029, we should be done with double track with this intervention,” he stated.
He noted that some schools require only additional furniture to return to a single-track system, adding that about 100 schools could exit the arrangement with relatively modest investments.
The Minister also announced that government is reviewing the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to make the placement process more transparent and merit-based.
Under the revised arrangement, candidates will select their preferred senior high schools after the release of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results, allowing students to make more informed choices based on their performance.
He expressed confidence that the infrastructure expansion and reforms to the placement system would improve access to quality secondary education while addressing longstanding challenges associated with Free SHS.
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