The World Bank has approved a US$300 million financing package to support Ghana’s efforts to reform and strengthen its secondary education sector, including plans to completely phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027.
The funding will finance the implementation of the Transformative Secondary Education for Access, Results and Relevance for Jobs (STARR-J) Project, a comprehensive initiative focused on expanding access to quality secondary education, improving learning outcomes, and addressing infrastructure gaps created by the expansion of the Free Senior High School programme.
According to the Ministry of Education, the project will drive significant improvements in the secondary education system through investments in school facilities, enhanced teaching and learning environments, and policy reforms aimed at aligning education with labour market needs.
One of the project’s central goals is to support the government’s agenda of ending the double-track system across all Senior High Schools. The Ministry stated that the planned infrastructure developments and educational reforms are expected to ensure that no secondary school in Ghana operates under the double-track arrangement by 2027.
Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, described the initiative as a critical investment in the country’s future and human capital development.
He noted that the project would not only improve educational opportunities and school conditions but also help bridge infrastructure deficits resulting from increased enrolment under the Free SHS policy. He added that the reforms would better equip students with skills that match the demands of the labour market.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to the World Bank and other stakeholders whose contributions helped secure the funding. Special recognition was given to Robert Taliercio O’Brien, the World Bank education team, and the Ministry of Finance led by Cassiel Ato Forson.
The Ministry emphasized that the STARR-J Project underscores the government’s commitment to providing equitable access to quality secondary education while preparing students with the competencies needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive global economy.
Beyond eliminating the double-track system, the project is expected to address long-standing infrastructure challenges in secondary schools and improve the relevance of education to Ghana’s workforce development and broader economic growth objectives.
Source: 3news
