According to him, it could take three to four years before the system is fully phased out due to infrastructural deficits and other logistical challenges that need to be addressed.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Mahama on Thursday, February 27, Mr. Gborse acknowledged the benefits of the Free SHS policy but pointed out that its implementation had several lapses.
He explained that the introduction of the double-track system was a result of the overpopulation in secondary schools, which led to a shortage of classrooms, dormitories, dining halls, and other essential facilities.
To eliminate it, the government will need to expand educational infrastructure, recruit additional teachers and caterers, and improve resource allocation—a process that requires time and significant financial investment.
“The Free SHS policy is a major relief for many parents and has significantly increased access to education, but it has gaps that need urgent attention. Eliminating the double-track system will require large-scale infrastructural development, which is not something that can be completed in just a few months,” Mr. Gborse told GNA.
During his State of the Nation Address, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to the Free SHS policy, dispelling rumours that his administration would cancel the programme.
The President also acknowledged the challenges of the double-track system, assuring Ghanaians that his administration was committed to eliminating it by accelerating school infrastructure expansion and completing stalled educational projects.
Mr. Gborse advised that for the double-track system to be successfully removed, the government must prioritize educational investment, complete abandoned school projects, and introduce a structured roadmap that would ensure a gradual transition to a single-track system without disrupting academic activities.
He also called on stakeholders in the education sector, including development partners, corporate organizations, and private investors, to support the government in addressing the gaps in the Free SHS policy.
“If we truly want to eliminate the double-track system, then we must be realistic about the scale of investment needed. It will take time, careful planning, and strategic execution,” he concluded.
As the government embarks on this ambitious educational reform, many Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how swiftly and effectively the double-track system can be phased out while ensuring that the quality of education is not compromised.
GNA
