World Bank approves US$300 million to support phase out of SHS double track system

The World Bank Board has approved a US$300 million financing package to support Ghana's efforts to eliminate the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027, the Ministry of Education has announced.

The funding will support the implementation of the Transforming Secondary Education for Results and Jobs (STARR-J) Project, according to a statement issued by the Ministry on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, and signed by the Press Secretary to the Minister for Education, Hashmin Mohammed.

The approval follows the government's commitment to end the double-track system through the expansion of infrastructure in Senior High Schools across the country.

President John Dramani Mahama first outlined the plan during the commissioning of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan facility at the Swedish Ghana Medical Centre in Accra last month, where he stressed the need to improve access to secondary education and create a better learning environment for students.

“By 2027, there should be no secondary school implementing a double track system in Ghana,” the President stated.

He later reaffirmed the target during a visit to the Savannah Region, where he told residents of Sawla that government was investing in school infrastructure to increase enrolment capacity ahead of the complete phase out of the system.

According to the Ministry of Education, the STARR-J Project is designed to expand access to quality secondary education, improve teaching and learning outcomes, strengthen the link between education and employment opportunities, and address infrastructure deficits arising from the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy.

As part of the project, 30 Category C Senior High Schools will be upgraded to Category B status, while 20 Category B schools will be upgraded to Category A.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu described the World Bank approval as a major investment in Ghana's youth and future workforce.

He said the project would enhance educational opportunities, improve school infrastructure, and ensure that students acquire skills that are relevant to the demands of the labour market.

Mr Iddrisu noted that the initiative would also help bridge infrastructure gaps created by rising enrolment under the Free Senior High School programme.

He reiterated that the World Bank facility forms part of a broader financing strategy aimed at facilitating the successful elimination of the double-track system.

The government has also committed GH¢1 billion through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to expand existing facilities and complete ongoing infrastructure projects in Senior High Schools nationwide.

The Ministry expressed appreciation to the World Bank Country Director, Robert Taliercio O'Brien, the World Bank education team, and the Ministry of Finance, led by Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, for their support in securing the funding.

It said the STARR-J Project is expected to increase access to secondary education while equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the modern world of work.