Free SHS: Government to phase out double track system - President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to maintaining the Free Senior High School (SHS) Programme, emphasizing his determination to enhance its implementation.

However, Mr Mahama also pledged to eliminate the double track system, which he acknowledged remains a challenge for students, teachers, and parents alike.

He made these statements during his first State of the Nation Address to Parliament on Thursday, February 27, since taking office in January.

"I John Dramani Mahama President of the Republic of Ghana will not cancel the Free SHS programme. I will not cancel the Free SHS programme. I am determined to make it better by improving its implementation," he stated.

"Mr. Speaker, the double-track system remains a challenge, and we are committed to eliminating it by accelerating the expansion of school infrastructure and completing stalled educational projects. To fund this, the Education and Finance Ministries are working to unlock the GES Fund to speed up projects in secondary schools," he said.

The President acknowledged that while the Free SHS programme has improved access, its implementation has room for improvement. He stated that the outcomes of the ongoing National Education Forum would guide the necessary reforms in the sector.

"Mr Speaker, while the Free SHS programme has improved access, the implementation of the programme leaves much to be desired. The outcomes of the ongoing National Education Forum will guide our reform efforts in this sector."

"Mr Speaker, in line with our promise, the Minister for Education has announced the restoration of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) in the management of schools. It is crucial for parents and communities to actively participate in the administration of their schools," he added.

He also clarified that the claim that the Free SHS programme has benefited 5.1 million students was incorrect, stating that the actual number is 3.4 million. He explained that the figure of 5.1 million was promoted by the previous administration for political gain.

"And also, for the record, students who have benefited from the free SHS since its inception are about 3.4 million. The figure of 5.1 million beneficiaries, as put out by the previous administration, was an exaggerated and false narrative, calculated to achieve political credit," said.