The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sounded an alarm over what they describe as a potential collapse of Ghana’s flagship Free Senior High School (SHS) policy if the double track system is abolished prematurely in January 2025. Dr. Kwabena Tandoh, NPP’s campaign spokesperson on education, warned that such a move, proposed by former President John Dramani Mahama, could result in over 540,000 students being sent home. He labeled the policy suggestion a grave misstep, calling on Ghanaians to support Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to safeguard Free SHS.
Speaking on the current state of the double track system, Dr. Tandoh clarified that the initial gold-and-green track system introduced in 2018 to manage student overflow was stopped in 2021 due to significant infrastructure development. “No longer are we splitting students. What we have now is a transitional calendar designed to manage infrastructure gaps while we complete additional projects,” he explained. The transitional calendar allows two cohorts to be in school while the third takes a break.
The NPP emphasized that the government has made progress in expanding school infrastructure, including classrooms, dormitories, and assembly halls. However, completing these projects nationwide will require until the end of 2025. In the meantime, the transitional calendar balances the accommodation of students without compromising the quality of education. The current system avoids overburdening existing facilities and ensures continuity in learning for all cohorts.
Dr. Tandoh’s analysis showed that abolishing the transitional calendar immediately in January 2024 would force approximately 181,993 students per cohort to leave school. Multiplied across three cohorts, the impact would disrupt education for over 540,000 students. “What Mahama is proposing is essentially shutting the door on half a million students who are currently benefiting from Free SHS,” Dr. Tandoh argued.
The NPP spokesperson accused Mahama of lacking a comprehensive understanding of the current educational landscape. “What he is suggesting is reckless. It disregards the infrastructure investments already in progress and the delicate balance required to sustain Free SHS,” Dr. Tandoh added. He underscored that the NPP has strategically employed more teachers and steadily expanded capacity, ensuring that every child has access to education.
Dr. Tandoh urged Ghanaians to reject Mahama’s proposition and vote for Dr. Bawumia in the 2024 elections to protect the gains made under the Free SHS program. “We cannot risk the future of our children by reversing years of hard work and investment. Let us stay the course and give every Ghanaian child the opportunity to succeed,” he said, rallying support for the NPP’s commitment to education.
