The Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced sweeping reforms in the education sector, including the restoration of 99 senior high schools from the double-track system to the traditional single-track this year.
In a statement, GES said the initiative forms part of broader measures to improve access, quality, and equity in education nationwide.
As part of the reforms, government has directed all districts to use the 2025 District Assemblies Common Fund to build new nursery, primary, and junior high schools, while stalled E-Block projects will also be revisited for completion.
On financing, the statement noted that GH¢1 billion has been paid into the Free Senior High School programme, GH¢2.9 billion released to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), and GH¢72.8 million used to clear capitation grant arrears. An additional GH¢895 million has also been allocated to the School Feeding Programme, with the per-child feeding budget increased.
Other payments include GH¢122.8 million for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration, GH¢300 million under the “No Fee Stress” policy to support SHS graduates entering tertiary institutions, and disbursement of feeding grants for special needs schools. The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) practical fees have also been fully paid.
GES further announced reforms for teachers, including the migration of over 30,000 diploma teachers who upgraded their qualifications onto the Public Service salary scale. Teachers are now eligible for promotion to the rank of director, while the teacher licensure examination has been scrapped.
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) have also been reactivated to strengthen school governance, and a free sanitary pad initiative has been launched to promote menstrual hygiene and reduce absenteeism among girls.
“These measures demonstrate government’s resolve to enhance quality, improve access, and support both students and teachers nationwide,” the statement concluded.
