GES Collaborates with Private Schools to Address SHS Congestion and Phase Out Double Track.

GES Partners with Private Schools to Reduce SHS Overcrowding and End Double Track

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has embarked on a strategic partnership with private schools to address overcrowding in public senior high schools. 

This initiative seeks to alleviate the pressure on existing infrastructure caused by the surge in student enrollment under the Free SHS policy. By leveraging private sector capacity, the GES aims to not only reduce congestion but also work towards phasing out the double-track system, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of education.

This new direction was made public on May 14, 2025, following a high-level meeting in Accra led by the GES Director-General, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis. He explained that selected private schools would offer their infrastructure and staff to support the Free SHS programme, thus creating more space for students.

“Many private schools have the needed resources and qualified teachers. Their involvement will help us manage enrolment and enhance academic standards,” Professor Davis said. He was accompanied by his deputies, Professor Smile Dzisi and Dr Munawaru Issahaque.

The double-track system, which rotates students between school and home in two groups, was introduced to manage large student numbers. However, it has been widely criticized by parents and students for disrupting the academic calendar, especially in urban areas where schools are already overstretched.

The leadership of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) and the Conference of Heads of Private Second-Cycle Schools (CHOPSS), who were part of the meeting, expressed full support for the initiative. They indicated readiness to profile their schools for consideration in the national placement process under the Free SHS programme.

CHOPSS representatives stated that their member schools are well-positioned to offer quality education while helping relieve public schools. They also believe this effort could help restore a regular school timetable.

Hon. Benita Sena Okitey Duah, National Coordinator for the FSHS Secretariat, also endorsed the collaboration, highlighting how the irregular school schedules have affected many families. She described the move as a welcome relief for students and parents.

This development comes in the wake of President John Mahama’s recent address on education reforms under his 120-day social contract. As part of the next steps, GES will begin evaluating private schools across the country to determine which institutions are suitable for taking in Free SHS students.