'Resign if you still don't understand double track' — Kwasi Kwarteng tells Education Minister

Former spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, Kwasi Kwarteng, has criticised Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu over his assertion that the double-track system has reduced the quality of education in Senior High Schools.

The Minister, who also doubles as the MP for Tamale South has argued that "The double track system, undoubtedly, is affecting the delivery of the quality of secondary education. It does not allow for sufficient student-to-teacher contact."

Responding in a social media post on Thursday, July 2, Kwarteng defended the policy, describing it as a temporary but necessary intervention introduced to address the sharp increase in Senior High School enrolment following the implementation of the Free SHS programme.

"You have no business in that office if you still don't understand the double-track policy by now," he wrote.

Kwarteng argued that the policy was designed to ensure that thousands of qualified Junior High School graduates were not denied admission because of inadequate infrastructure.

According to him, the double-track system produced measurable results, including increased enrolment, improved student-teacher ratios, longer instructional hours, additional employment opportunities and better utilisation of existing school facilities while new infrastructure was being developed.

He further argued that the academic performance of students who went through the system contradicts claims that it has lowered educational standards, pointing to improved outcomes in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

"An Education Minister has a duty to rise above political propaganda and assess policies based on facts, data and outcomes. If, after assuming office and having access to all the official records, he still cannot appreciate the rationale, necessity and measurable impact of the double-track policy, then he has no business staying in that office," he stated.