Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced plans to construct new community day senior high schools in Nima and Kasoa under the STAR-J programme to expand Free SHS access.
Author: Ferdinand Ellis
Author Authority: Education Blogger | Curriculum Specialist | Researcher | Education Policy Analyst
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to construct two new community day senior high schools in Nima, Accra, and Kasoa in the Central Region as part of efforts to expand access to secondary education and reduce pressure on existing schools.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, during the Government Accountability Series held in Accra on Monday, July 20, 2026.
According to the Minister, the projects form part of the proposed STAR-J infrastructure programme, which is designed to improve education infrastructure and support the continued expansion of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy.
→ Related article: GH¢3 Billion Education Infrastructure Plan to End Double Track System
→ Related resource: Free SHS Policy in Ghana: Achievements, Challenges and Future Reforms
Government Chooses Community Day Schools to Expand SHS Access
Mr. Haruna Iddrisu explained that government’s decision is to establish more community day senior high schools rather than converting existing schools into boarding institutions.
According to him, the approach reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of expanding access through strategically located day schools that serve growing communities.
“It is the view of President John Dramani Mahama that we should encourage the establishment of community day schools in the category of what is in Kwabenya. So we’ll build one in Nima and one in Kasoa as part of the STAR-J project.”
The move is expected to provide additional opportunities for students living in densely populated communities where access to nearby senior high schools remains a challenge.
Rising SHS Enrolment Drives Infrastructure Expansion
The Education Minister noted that enrolment under the Free SHS policy has exceeded 1.5 million students, placing increased pressure on classrooms, dormitories and other school facilities.
He explained that expanding infrastructure remains necessary to ensure that increased access to secondary education is matched with adequate learning facilities.
The STAR-J programme, which has received Cabinet approval, will focus on:
- Construction of new classroom blocks.
- Rehabilitation of existing SHS facilities.
- Improvement of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
- Upgrading selected Category B and Category C Schools.
- Expansion of infrastructure capacity across the education sector.
→ Related article: Category B Schools in Ghana 2026: Selection Guide and School Information
→ Related article: Category C Schools in Ghana 2026: Complete List and Placement Guide
Nima SHS Could Be Developed Into a Science School
Responding to questions after the briefing, Mr. Iddrisu disclosed that the proposed Nima community day senior high school could potentially be developed into a science-focused institution.
He explained that the Member of Parliament for the area had formally written to the Ministry and made land available for the project.
“We have no difficulty at all establishing that senior high school as a science school. The honourable Member of Parliament for the area has written formally to me, dedicating land for that purpose.”
The establishment of a science-oriented SHS in Nima could provide additional opportunities for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Kasoa SHS Project to Address Rapid Population Growth
The Education Minister also highlighted the need for additional secondary schools in Kasoa due to its rapidly expanding population.
Kasoa has experienced significant population growth over the years, increasing demand for public services, including education facilities.
Mr. Iddrisu explained that the location of the proposed school would consider population distribution within the municipality.
“Whether one senior high school will be enough for them is a growing population and we need to expand their access to secondary education.”
The project is expected to reduce pressure on existing schools and bring secondary education closer to communities within the growing municipality.
Importance of Community Day Senior High Schools
Community day schools play an important role in expanding access to secondary education by reducing barriers associated with distance, transportation and accommodation.
Their potential benefits include:
Improved Access
Students can attend schools closer to their communities, making secondary education more accessible.
Reduced Pressure on Existing Schools
Additional schools help manage increasing enrolment and improve infrastructure availability.
Support for Urban Communities
Fast-growing urban areas require new educational facilities to match population growth.
Increased Opportunities for STEM Education
Specialised schools, including science-focused institutions, can support national efforts to develop STEM skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will the two new community day SHSs be built?
The schools will be constructed in Nima in Accra and Kasoa in the Central Region.
What programme will support the construction of the schools?
The projects will be implemented under the STAR-J infrastructure programme.
Why is government building new SHSs?
The initiative aims to expand access to secondary education and address infrastructure pressure caused by increasing enrolment under Free SHS.
Could the Nima SHS become a science school?
Yes. The Education Minister indicated that the Nima school could be developed into a science school.
Final Analysis
The planned construction of community day senior high schools in Nima and Kasoa reflects the changing needs of Ghana’s secondary education system.
As enrolment continues to increase, infrastructure expansion remains essential to ensuring that access to Free SHS is supported by adequate classrooms, qualified teachers and effective learning environments.
The success of the STAR-J programme will depend on timely implementation, quality construction and strategic placement of new schools in communities with the greatest need.
Source
Government Accountability Series, Ministry of Education, Ghana
About the Author
Ferdinand Ellis is an education blogger, curriculum specialist, researcher and policy analyst focusing on Ghana’s education system, teacher education, curriculum development and education policy.
