The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced plans to construct 10 new model senior high schools across Ghana and upgrade 30 Category B schools to match the standards of Category A institutions. This initiative is part of the government's broader investment in secondary education, following a review of the Free Senior High School policy introduced in 2017. The review aimed to reassess investment priorities within the education sector while maintaining attention on access and quality.
The government, under President John Dramani Mahama's administration, completed an assessment of the Free SHS program to reset the country's education priorities. The review informed a decision to redirect investments towards strengthening foundational learning, particularly in literacy, numeracy, agricultural science, and mathematics. This decision aims to improve learning outcomes and equip pupils with essential competencies required to progress through the educational system.
As part of the investment in secondary education, the government plans to invest $300 million to expand facilities and improve learning conditions across senior high schools. The funding will support infrastructure expansion in schools nationwide. The government also plans to establish 10 new model senior high schools, one in each of 10 regions, to expand access to quality secondary education.
The 30 Category B senior high schools to be upgraded are expected to match the standards of Category A institutions such as Mfantsipim School. This initiative aims to narrow the infrastructure and facilities gap between different categories of senior high schools, ensuring that more students have access to quality educational facilities. The proposed upgrades will improve infrastructure and the general learning environment in the beneficiary institutions.
The announcements form part of the government's broader education reform agenda, which seeks to review existing policies, strengthen foundational learning, and improve infrastructure at the secondary level. The completion of the Free SHS review signals the government's intention to reassess investment priorities within the education sector while maintaining attention on access and quality.
Mfantsipim School, founded in 1876, is one of Ghana's oldest secondary schools and has produced generations of prominent professionals and national leaders. The school recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in its history. The government's plans to improve secondary education infrastructure are expected to benefit schools like Mfantsipim and others across the country.
The planned construction of 10 model senior high schools and the upgrading of 30 Category B institutions represent an effort to improve the distribution of educational infrastructure across Ghana. The government's education reform agenda aims to ensure that all students have access to quality educational facilities, regardless of the category of school they attend.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government plans to invest $300 million in secondary education infrastructure.
- 10 new model senior high schools will be constructed across 10 regions.
- 30 Category B schools will be upgraded to match the standards of Category A institutions.
