Education Minister Dr Osei Yaw Adutwum has cautioned against the immediate abolition of the double-track system, stressing that such a move could jeopardise the educational future of many students.

His remarks come as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has pledged to end the double-track system if it wins the 2024 elections.

Dr Adutwum advocated for a phased approach, explaining that additional infrastructure must be completed to accommodate the increased student numbers before fully transitioning away from the system.

He noted that government, through the Education Ministry, has already begun constructing new facilities in several schools as part of a gradual phase-out plan.

According to the Education Minister, the double-track system is being systematically reduced in schools where facilities have been expanded, with plans to extend these improvements to other schools.

This approach, he believes, will ensure a stable educational environment for all students.

Speaking to members of the Clergy in the Ashanti Region on October 29, Dr Adutwum warned that ending the double-track system purely for political reasons could have severe consequences, describing such a move as “potentially disastrous” for Ghana’s educational progress.

“When the concept of the double track was introduced in Ghana, it was to meet the increased demand in enrolment in our High Schools, especially the category A schools.

"So, it will surprise you to know that a number of the schools are no longer double-track, even those schools with double-track, we have transition calendars."

“A school like Tamale Senior School (TAMASCO) is no longer double-track.

We’re working for Opoku Ware Senior High School, and, likely, it will not be double-tracked this coming academic year. Because the government had built more facilities there."

“Some people come here to say that we will [they] abolish double track, and I say to myself, they don’t know what they are talking about.

"If you abolish the double track at Prempeh College today, they will not be able to enrol one student. Presec will not take in one student."

“If you don’t want double track, and you cancel double track, 1,500 students who are going this year will not have space, so they can’t go.

"Do we cancel it in the name of politics and push 1,500 students away from Opoku Ware? It’s our choice, but that choice is disastrous," he said.