Minister of Education warns against rush to rush to abolish double-track system
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, in fact, 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 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.”