Gov’t secures $200m World Bank gain to finish double-track gadget – Education Minister – Life Pulse Daily
Editor-in-chiefDecember 24, 20254 Mins read57
Gov’t Secures $200m World Bank Loan to End Double-Track System: Education Minister
Introduction
The Government of Ghana has taken a decisive step toward stabilizing the academic calendar in senior high schools (SHS) by securing a $200 million facility from the World Bank. According to the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, these funds are specifically earmarked to permanently eliminate the controversial double-track system. This initiative aims to address declining academic performance, bridge infrastructure gaps, and ensure students spend adequate time in the classroom.
Key Points
- Financial Breakthrough: The government has secured a $200 million loan from the World Bank to facilitate the end of the double-track system.
- Academic Impact: The double-track system has been linked to reduced contact hours between teachers and students, contributing to falling grades, particularly in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
- Infrastructure Expansion: Funds will be used to build new classrooms and expand facilities to accommodate increasing enrollment without shifting students.
- School Reclassification: The Ministry plans to upgrade 30 Category C schools to Category B and 10 Category B schools to Category A.
- Regional Disparities: The Minister highlighted a lack of Category A schools in the Northeast, Savannah, and Oti regions, pledging to address these imbalances.
- Tertiary Boost: A separate $30 million grant from the Chinese government has been secured for a new University of Science and Technology in Damongo.
Background
The double-track system was originally introduced as a stop-gap measure to accommodate the massive enrollment of students into Senior High Schools under the Free SHS policy. While it successfully increased access to education, it created a system where students attended school in shifts—either “Green” or “Gold” tracks—effectively reducing the number of days spent in the classroom.
Over time, parents, teachers, and education analysts raised concerns that this rotational system was straining the quality of instruction. With students spending less time with teachers, there were fears that the foundational learning required for tertiary education and the job market was being compromised. The current government administration has made the abolition of the double-track system a central campaign promise and policy objective.
Analysis
The securing of the $200 million World Bank facility represents a critical pivot in Ghana’s educational financing strategy. The Minister’s assertion that reduced contact hours have led to declining WASSCE results suggests a direct correlation between the duration of study and academic output. By moving away from the double-track “gadget,” the government aims to restore the standard 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM school day.
Addressing Regional Imbalances
A significant portion of the analysis must focus on the Minister’s comments regarding regional equity. Haruna Iddrisu pointed out that regions like the Northeast, Savannah, and Oti currently lack Category A senior high schools. This disparity creates an educational divide where students in these regions may not have access to the same quality of facilities or teaching resources as their counterparts in established urban centers. The plan to reclassify schools and build new infrastructure is intended to democratize access to high-quality education.
Infrastructure as the Bottleneck
The root cause of the double-track system is a simple mathematical problem: too many students and too few classrooms. The analysis suggests that without a massive injection of capital into educational infrastructure, the system would remain stuck in a cycle of shifting students. The World Bank loan targets this specific bottleneck, aiming to build physical capacity that permanently absorbs the student population.
Practical Advice
For stakeholders in the education sector, the announcement of the World Bank facility and the tertiary grant carries several actionable implications:
For School Administrators
Schools should begin planning for a return to a single-track system. This involves reorganizing timetables, preparing for full occupancy of dormitories and classrooms, and ensuring logistical support is scaled up to handle the continuous presence of all students.
For Parents and Students
While the transition will not happen overnight, families can anticipate a gradual return to standard school hours. Students should prepare for increased classroom contact time, which will require greater discipline and consistency in attendance.
For Investors and Contractors
The government’s focus on infrastructure expansion and the construction of the new university in Damongo signals opportunities in the construction and educational supply sectors. Contractors specializing in school buildings and laboratory setups should monitor procurement portals for tenders related to these projects.
FAQ
What is the double-track system?
The double-track system is a calendar system used in schools with high student enrollment but limited classroom space. It splits the student body into two tracks (usually color-coded), with one track attending school while the other is on vacation, ensuring the school can accommodate more students than its physical infrastructure allows.
How will the $200 million World Bank loan be used?
According to Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, the loan will be used primarily to expand educational infrastructure across the country. This includes building new classrooms and facilities to allow schools to accommodate current enrollment levels without needing to shift students.
Which regions are currently lacking Category A schools?
The Education Minister identified the Northeast Region, the Savannah Region, and the Oti Region as areas that currently have no Category A senior high schools.
What other educational funding was announced?
Aside from the World Bank loan for secondary schools, President John Dramani Mahama secured a $30 million grant from the Chinese government. This grant is specifically for the construction of a new University of Science and Technology in Damongo.
Has any school already ended the double-track system?
Yes. The Minister specifically commended St Peter’s Secondary School in Kwahu for taking the initiative to end the double-track system at the institutional level ahead of the national rollout. The Minister indicated he would reward the school with infrastructure support for this proactive step.
Conclusion
The government’s move to secure a $200 million World Bank facility marks a significant commitment to stabilizing the secondary education landscape in Ghana. By targeting the physical infrastructure deficits that necessitated the double-track system, the administration aims to improve contact hours, boost WASSCE performance, and ensure educational equity across all regions. Coupled with the development of a new science university in Damongo, these initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to educational reform, prioritizing quality and accessibility for all students.
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