Education Minister Forms Panel to Overhaul FSHS Double-Track System
By Ernest Bako WUBONTO
Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu has launched a task force aimed at phasing out the double-shift system within the Free Senior High School (FSHS) initiative to improve educational standards.
At the inaugural ceremony held at the ministry, he emphasized that one of the key responsibilities of the committee involves formulating strategies to gradually eliminate the dual-track system. This also encompasses synchronizing Ghana’s senior high school academic timetable with the Western African curriculum framework, incorporating private educational institutions within the Free Senior High School initiative, and enacting steps to enhance overall education quality.
The implementation of the double-track system, which was initiated because of inadequate infrastructure, has led to fewer contact hours and diminished instructional time, consequently adversely affecting educational standards.
"One of the primary concerns with FSHS revolves around quality. Due to the double-track system, students spend considerable time outside of school, impacting their academic performance. It falls upon this committee to tackle this issue effectively, and we are committed to allocating the necessary resources to fulfill our responsibilities," he emphasized.
He additionally noted that addressing infrastructure deficiencies at the Senior High School (SHS) level would involve prioritizing the finishing of incomplete E-Block projects and other initiatives funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
At present, 62 GETFund initiatives in senior high schools stand unutilized, and the ministry is working to allocate funds to tackle 22 of these sites promptly using its capital expenditures (CapEx) budget.
The minister highlighted that this step achieves an important election pledge made by President John Dramani Mahama, who committed to tackling issues within the FSHS program and phasing out the double-track system upon taking office.
He explained that the FSHS was established during a period when the infrastructure was insufficient, leading to the implementation of the double-track system. Consequently, various classroom infrastructure initiatives within the E-Block that were launched under the NDC administration in 2015 but left incomplete by the former government will now be resumed promptly to enhance facilities available for students.
"The core aim of the FSHS review, according to the present President, is to enhance quality under the broader accessibility framework of the program. Our ambition is that each qualifying Ghanaian child should gain entry and experience this in settings that guarantee their well-being," he explained.
Mr. Haruna Iddrisu stated that certain E-Block Day schools will be transformed into boarding facilities for greater ease, complete with all required amenities.
The committee will delve into methods of integrating private secondary schools into the FSHS program, which includes evaluating financial impacts. Furthermore, Ghana plans to align its educational timeline with the WASSCE timetable by 2027, guaranteeing that students have the opportunity to take exams alongside peers from neighboring regions.
"WASSCE is a regional exam, and Ghana can’t function on a separate schedule. By 2027, we need to have a completely operational FSHS system equipped with proper boarding and day student amenities, all enhanced by advanced technology," Iddrisu stated additionally.
The 11-person committee, led by Professor Peter Grant from the University of Cape Coast (UCC), comprises members representing different organizations—such as Professor Godwin Awabil from UCC; Professor Samuel A. Atintono from PRINCOF (Conference of Principals of Colleges of Education, Ghana); Professor Smile Gavua Dzisi serving as the Deputy Director-General for Management Services at GES; Dr. Munawaru Issahaque acting as the Deputy Director-General responsible for Quality and Access within the Ghana Education Service (GES); and D. W. Agbenyo hailing from WAEC (West African Examinations Council).
The other members include Rosemond Wilson (PhD), from WAEC; Augustus Agyemfra, representing the Conference of Directors of Education (CoDE); David Odjidja, affiliated with the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS); Addo Nicholas Nii Kpakpoe, connected to the Conference of Heads of Basic Schools (COHBS); and Prince Charles Agyemang-Duah, who works within the Schools & Instruction Division at GES.
The chairperson of the committee affirmed to the minister their dedication to effectively fulfilling their assigned duties.
Among those attending the ceremony were Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education; Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, Director-General of GES; and Prof. George K.T. Oduro, Technical Advisor to the Minister, along with several others.
Professor Ernest Davis, during his turn, highlighted that these changes aim to reinforce the FSHS policy, guaranteeing fair accessibility and enhanced standards in secondary schooling.
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