Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu will present Ghana’s mid-year education performance on July 20, 2026, and outline a GH¢3 billion infrastructure plan to abolish the SHS double-track system.
Author: Ferdinand Ellis
Author Authority: Education Blogger | Curriculum Specialist | Researcher | Education Policy Analyst
Education Minister to Present Mid-Year Assessment of Ghana’s Education Sector
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, is expected to present a comprehensive mid-year assessment of Ghana’s education sector on Monday, July 20, 2026, as part of the Government Accountability Series.
The briefing is expected to provide an update on the government’s performance in the education sector during the first half of the year and outline major policy interventions aimed at improving access, quality and infrastructure across Ghana’s education system.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, through an official Facebook post ahead of the event.
→ Related article: Ministry of Education to Hold National Conference on School Indiscipline in Sunyani
→ Related resource: Ghana Education System Reforms and Policy Updates
GH¢3 Billion Infrastructure Programme to Target Double Track Elimination
One of the major highlights of the briefing is expected to be the breakdown of a GH¢3 billion education infrastructure programme recently approved by Cabinet.
According to Mr. Kwakye Ofosu, the programme is specifically designed to support the government’s plan to abolish the double-track system in Senior High Schools (SHSs).
He stated:
“Tomorrow, Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, will appear at the Government Accountability Series for a Mid-Year assessment of Education in Ghana. Among others, he will break down a GHS 3 billion infrastructure programme approved by Cabinet to abolish the undesirable Double Track system in our Senior High Schools.”
The announcement has generated significant interest among parents, students, teachers and education stakeholders who have long debated the future of the double-track policy.
What Is the Double-Track System?
The double-track system was introduced under the Free SHS programme to address limited infrastructure and accommodate the growing number of students entering Senior High Schools.
Under the arrangement, students are divided into two groups that attend school at different times of the academic year, allowing schools to admit more students than their existing infrastructure could normally support.
While the policy expanded access to secondary education, it has also faced criticism over concerns related to:
- Reduced contact hours.
- Academic calendar disruptions.
- Pressure on teachers and school management.
- Student welfare and learning continuity.
- Infrastructure constraints.
→ Related article: Free SHS Policy: Achievements, Challenges and Future Reforms
→ Related resource: SHS Infrastructure Expansion and Education Financing in Ghana
Expected Focus of the Mid-Year Education Briefing
The Government Accountability Series briefing is expected to cover several key areas of the education sector, including:
1. Basic Education Performance
Updates on teaching and learning outcomes, curriculum implementation and support programmes for basic schools.
2. Senior High School Reforms
Progress on infrastructure expansion, Free SHS implementation and strategies for ending the double-track system.
3. Teacher Education and Professional Development
Government interventions in teacher training, recruitment and professional standards.
4. Higher Education and Technical Education
Developments in universities, Colleges of Education, TVET institutions and skills development initiatives.
Why the GH¢3bn Plan Matters
The proposed infrastructure programme is significant because the elimination of the double-track system has remained one of the most anticipated education reforms in Ghana.
If implemented successfully, the programme could lead to:
- Expansion of classroom facilities.
- Construction of additional dormitories.
- Improvement of laboratories and workshops.
- Increased boarding capacity.
- Restoration of a single-track academic calendar in affected schools.
Education analysts note that infrastructure expansion is a critical requirement for sustaining universal access to secondary education without compromising learning quality.
Stakeholder Reactions and Expectations
Parents, teacher unions, school heads and education policy experts are expected to closely monitor the Minister’s presentation for details on:
- The timeline for ending double track.
- Schools that will benefit from the infrastructure programme.
- Funding sources and implementation arrangements.
- Expected impact on student enrollment and academic calendars.
The briefing may also provide clarity on how the government intends to balance access, quality and sustainability within the Free SHS programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Haruna Iddrisu present the mid-year education assessment?
The briefing is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026.
What is the main announcement expected from the Minister?
The Minister is expected to outline a GH¢3 billion infrastructure programme aimed at abolishing the SHS double-track system.
Who announced the upcoming briefing?
The announcement was made by Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu through a Facebook post.
Why was the double-track system introduced?
It was introduced to accommodate increased SHS enrollment under the Free SHS policy despite limited school infrastructure.
Final Analysis
The upcoming Government Accountability Series briefing represents a potentially important moment for Ghana’s education sector.
A clear roadmap for ending the double-track system, backed by substantial infrastructure investment, could reshape the future of Senior High School education in Ghana.
Stakeholders will be looking for concrete timelines, implementation details and evidence that the proposed GH¢3 billion programme can deliver the facilities needed to sustain universal secondary education while improving learning conditions for students across the country.
Source
Statement by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications
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.
