Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has warned against any hasty moves to abolish the double-track system, emphasizing that an abrupt end could negatively impact the future of students.
His comments follow promises by the NDC to scrap the system if they win the 2024 elections.
Dr. Adutwum admonished that any transition away from the double-track system should be strategic, beginning with the expansion of facilities to accommodate more students.
He noted that the government had already made strides by constructing additional accommodation facilities in various schools and was gradually phasing out the system, with plans to extend this process to more institutions.
Speaking to the clergy in the Ashanti Region on October 29, he stressed that eliminating the double-track system solely for political reasons could lead to significant 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.”