Gov’t to build 10 new SHSs in underserved regions to phase out double-track system

The government has announced plans to construct 10 new senior high schools (SHSs) across underserved regions as part of efforts to improve access to quality secondary education and bring an end to the double-track system.

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson made the announcement while presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 23.

According to him, the initiative forms part of a US$300 million World Bank-supported programme aimed at expanding educational infrastructure and enhancing learning outcomes across the country.

“Education remains one of the most powerful investments we can make in the future of our country. Government is therefore taking bold steps to transform secondary education,” Dr Forson said.

He explained that the programme will involve 210 major infrastructure projects nationwide, including the construction of 10 new secondary schools, rehabilitation of 150 existing SHSs, upgrading of 30 Category C schools to Category B status, and converting 20 Category B schools into Category A institutions.

The Finance Minister added that the government will also provide furniture for beneficiary schools to support effective teaching and learning.

Dr Forson said the 10 new schools will be strategically located in underserved areas, with one school each to be constructed in the Western, Western North, Greater Accra, Volta, Oti, Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Savannah and Central Regions.

He noted that upon completion, the project is expected to benefit about 2.3 million students, more than 100,000 teachers, and approximately 2,000 school leaders nationwide.

Dr Forson said the intervention will contribute significantly to ending the double-track system, improving performance in critical subjects such as Mathematics and Science, and increasing female participation in STEM and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

He added that the programme will equip young Ghanaians with digital, technical and green skills needed to compete in future job markets.