Gov't to build 10 new SHSs, rehabilitate 150 existing ones — Haruna Iddrisu

Mr Haruna Iddrisu, the Minister of Education, has announced that government will construct 10 new senior and technical high schools, while rehabilitating and re-tooling 150 existing ones across the country.

He said the initiative, to be supported with a US$300 million facility from the World Bank It, aims at strengthening infrastructure and improving teaching and learning outcomes in the secondary education sector.

The Minister made the disclosure when answering questions on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, in Accra.

Mr Iddrisu explained that the government, through the Ministry of Finance, has already approved the budget for the programme, and that advertisement and procurement processes would soon commence to ensure timely execution of the project.

Mr Iddrisu, also the Member of Parliament for the Tamale South Constituency, emphasised that the intervention formed part of government's broader commitment to expand access to quality education and equip schools with modern facilities.

On the admission process into secondary schools, Mr Iddrisu said the Ministry would revise the Computerised School Placement System to enhance transparency and accountability.

He further indicated that the government would soon announce measures to tackle growing indiscipline among students.

“We need to review the punitive regime and empower the Ghana Education Service to deal ruthlessly with student indiscipline in pre-tertiary institutions,” the Minister added.

The Minister said the intervention is part of a broader strategy to address both infrastructural challenges and behavioural issues in Ghana's secondary education system.

The announcement comes at a time when Ghana's education sector is undergoing reforms to improve access, equity, and quality.

The Free Senior High School policy, introduced in 2017, has significantly increased enrolment, creating pressure on existing infrastructure and resources.

The US$300 million support package is expected to complement ongoing efforts by the government to modernise schools with provision of laboratories and workshops, as well as strengthening technical and vocational education.

GNA