The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a major overhaul of Ghana’s Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, including an extension to private schools and a phased elimination of the double-track system.
Speaking on Accra-based Joy FM, Mr. Iddrisu revealed that as part of efforts to increase access to secondary education, the government will now allow private schools to enroll students under the Free SHS program.
“Through the computerized placement system, 150,000 students will be assigned to private senior high schools in addition to those in public institutions,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the double-track system within the next two to three years. The transition, he explained, will be supported by major infrastructure investments to accommodate increasing student enrollment.
Beyond secondary education, the minister disclosed plans to extend Free SHS benefits to tertiary students, ensuring continuity of financial support for higher education.
In addition to these reforms, Mr. Iddrisu announced an impending audit into the controversial SHS Wi-Fi contract, with findings expected within the next few weeks. He also hinted that the government is open to partnering with local firms, including Starlink, to enhance broadband infrastructure for schools.
The minister emphasized that the previous Wi-Fi contract would not be renewed until a full IT audit is completed and the contract is re-advertised for transparency.
These reforms underscore the government’s efforts to improve access to quality education while addressing key challenges within the sector.
