Renowned educationist and CEO of SuccessLink Publications Limited, Dr. Saeed Adam Banda, has raised concerns about the negative impact of the double-track system under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, stressing the urgent need for reforms in Ghana’s education sector.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Fabea FM’s “Me Man Ho Dadwen” show with Apiah-Kubi, Dr. Saeed cited a range of challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, food shortages, pressure on teachers, insufficient logistics, and the sidelining of quality private SHSs.

According to him, the double-track system, introduced by the previous government to absorb the rising numbers under Free SHS, has reduced contact hours, increased teacher workload, created learning gaps during off-track periods, and was implemented without proper stakeholder consultations.

“The double-track system has generated a negative impact on our students.

Factually, the single-track system we had before Free SHS was far better,” he noted.

Dr. Saeed outlined several measures to improve the system before phasing out double track:

Expansion of infrastructure across schools.

Investment in robust I.T. systems to support learning.

Inclusion of private SHSs in the Free SHS programme.

Shared responsibility in financing education, suggesting that parents should contribute modestly towards boarding and feeding costs to ease the burden on the government.

He also cautioned against partisan politics dictating education policy, saying:

“Education should be insulated from partisan politics.

Allowing political interests to control educational policy has hindered progress.”

Turning to assessment challenges, Dr. Saeed expressed concern over the persistent cancellation of BECE and WASSCE results due to exam malpractices.

He argued that the unchanged format of these exams for decades has contributed to widespread cheating.

“Our trend analysis revealed that exam malpractices keep increasing.

The fact that BECE and WASSCE formats have remained unchanged for years is detrimental to our education system,” he lamented.

To curb the menace, he recommended digital surveillance tools such as CCTV cameras and drones to monitor students during examinations, ensuring fairness and credibility.

Dr. Saeed concluded by urging policymakers to engage in thorough consultations and adopt evidence-based strategies before rolling out major reforms in the education sector.