Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and MP for Kintampo North, Joseph Kwame Kumah, has emphasized that transitioning senior high schools from the double-track system to single-track requires substantial infrastructural upgrades.
Speaking in an interview after visiting selected schools in the Western Region, he stated that each school would need at least a 12-unit classroom block or a 20-classroom facility.
He has called for a comprehensive overhaul of the senior high education system to achieve this goal.
The objective of the visit was to assess the challenges faced by some Private Universities and overall impact of the double-track system in selected Senior High Schools to enable them identify policy interventions to enhance their operations and sustainability.
After paying a courtesy call on the Western Regional Minister, they toured several schools including Archbishop Porter Girls SHS, Adiembra SHS, Takoradi SHS, and Ahantaman Girls SHS.
Though each school faced its fair share of challenges, Adiembra SHS stood out. Its challenges included inadequate infrastructure, such as dormitories, lack of a school field and assembly hall, and encroachment on their school lands.
William Takyi Mensah is the headmaster.
“Honorable Chair, as per our roadmap to transition from the double-track system, we’ve identified key infrastructure needs. These include constructing an 18-unit classroom block on available land, a 300-capacity girls’ dormitory, a boys’ dormitory, and an assembly hall. However, the school faces significant encroachment challenges, with portions of its land occupied by private residences. We’re working to protect the remaining land.” He said.
At the end of the three-week tour of selected senior high schools across the country, Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Joseph Kwame Kumah, noted that inadequate infrastructure was a widespread issue.
He said transitioning from the double-track to single-track systems requires each school to have at least a 12-unit classroom block or 20-classroom facility. He also called for a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s senior high education system to address this challenge.
“To transition senior high schools from double-track to single-track, each school requires at least a 12-unit classroom block, with some needing up to 20 units. Additionally, dining facilities designed for 600 students are currently accommodating over 4,500 students, resulting in meal serving in shifts.” He noted.
He warned that if Ghanaians do not stop politicizing the Free Senior High School program, it risks being unsustainable, affecting the nation as a whole, not just a particular government.
“Sustaining the free senior high school program beyond the next eight years is uncertain if stalled projects aren’t addressed promptly. Delaying completion by 20-30 years could lead to program collapse.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kortoe, has commended senior high school heads for their dedication and efforts in managing their schools despite numerous challenges.
“We’re encouraged by the progress so far and commend the heads of institutions for their efforts despite challenges. To further support their work and eliminate the double-track system, we recommend that the government provides necessary facilities,” he said.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
