NAGRAT calls for elimination of SHS double-track system and academic calendar reset

The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has once again emphasized its appeal to the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to revert to the trimester academic calendar system.

NAGRAT argues that the growing student population, combined with the prolonged academic year is placing significant strain on both teachers and the management of secondary educational institutions.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, September 27th, 2023 Angel Carbonu, the President of NAGRAT urged the Ministry of Education (MoE) to treat their request with utmost urgency.

Also, he expressed concerns over the government’s inability to fulfill its promise of discontinuing the double-track system.

Carbonu pointed out, “It has been approximately seven (7) years since the government introduced the Free Senior High School (FSHS) programme accompanied by the implementation of the double-track system.

The rationale behind introducing the double track as stated by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was to accommodate the surging student enrollment due to the insufficient infrastructure in schools at that time.”

“The government assured us at the time that within five years, the double-track system would be phased out. It pledged to mobilize resources through the Ghana Education Trust Fund to construct the necessary facilities to accommodate the growing student population.”

“Unfortunately, the five-year period elapsed two years ago, and yet 40% of the SHSs are still operating under the double-track system. This system has brought about issues related to student attendance and various challenges. Consequently, it has placed immense pressure on both school management and teachers.” He added.

Carbonu has also called upon the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Education, and by extension, the government, to revert to the previous academic calendar format, relieving the burden on educational stakeholders.

He urged the Ghana Education Trust Fund to provide a comprehensive explanation for its failure to construct the promised infrastructure to accommodate the increasing number of students.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh