Education Minister Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum has warned that a rushed abolition of the double-track system could harm the future of many students.
His comments respond to the National Democratic Congress’s commitment to eliminate the system if they win the 2024 elections.
Dr. Adutwum stressed the importance of a gradual phase-out, advocating for the construction of additional facilities to accommodate more students.
He highlighted that the government, through the Ministry of Education, has already built new accommodation in some schools and is in the process of phasing out the double-track system, with plans to expand this initiative.
Speaking to the clergy in the Ashanti Region on October 29, Dr. Adutwum cautioned that ending the double-track system for political reasons could lead to severe consequences.
“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-track, even those schools with double-track, we have transition calendars.
“A school like Tamale Senior School (TAMASCO) is no longer double-track, in fact, we’re working for Opoku Ware Senior High School, and, likely, it will not be double-track this coming academic year. Because the government had built more facilities there.
“Some people come here to say that we will [they] abolish double track, and I say to myself, they don’t know what they are talking about. If you abolish the double track at Prempeh College today, they will not be able to enrol one student. Presec will not take in one student.
“If you don’t want double track and you cancel double track, 1,500 students who are going this year will not have space, so they can’t go. Do we cancel it in the name of politics and push 1,500 students away from Opoku Ware? It’s our choice, but that choice is disastrous.”
