The government has secured $200 million from the World Bank to work towards ending the double-track system under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced.

Speaking at the inauguration of chairpersons and members of four Colleges of Education—Enchi, Agogo Presbyterian, Al-Farouk and Gbewaa—the Minister said the move underscores the government’s commitment to improving learning outcomes by ensuring students spend adequate and uninterrupted time in school.

“We remain very committed, and government has secured $200 million from the World Bank to work towards ending the double-track system,” Haruna Iddrisu said.

The double-track system was introduced to manage congestion following the rollout of Free SHS, which significantly increased enrolment across public senior high schools. While it has helped absorb the growing student population, the policy has faced criticism from parents, teachers and education experts over its impact on instructional time and academic planning.

Beyond the planned reforms to Free SHS, the Education Minister also announced new measures to strengthen education financing.

He disclosed that Parliament has approved amendments to the GETFund Act, aimed at providing sustainable funding for key education programmes.

According to him, the revised Act has two main objectives: to ensure assured and sustainable financing for the Free SHS programme, to guarantee secure funding for free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, and lastly provide free education for persons with special needs

Haruna Iddrisu further revealed that the government has earmarked ₵100 million through the GETFund to support free education for persons with special needs.

He explained that the funding will cover tuition and feeding in all special and inclusive schools across the country, benefiting about 9,000 learners.

According to the minister, the ministry has made significant progress and is committed to doing more in providing quality education.