Members of the Select Committee on Education embarked on a working visit to some senior high schools in the Greater Accra Region to assess the impact of the double track system and identify policy interventions to enhance operations and sustainability.
The committee visited Chemu Senior High School, Accra Girls Senior High School, Achimota Senior High School, Accra Senior High School, and Accra Academy.
During their visit to Chemu Senior High School, the Committee engaged with the school’s administration and students. The Headmistress highlighted the school’s achievements in the National Science and Maths Quiz.
However, she expressed concerns about the uncompleted six-unit classroom block and inadequate boarding facilities, appealing to the committee to assist in releasing funds for infrastructure development.
Upon visiting Accra Girls Senior High, the Assistant Headmistress showcased the school’s impressive 95.4% pass rate in the West African Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2024.
However, she noted challenges with infrastructure development, including the need for an expanded assembly hall and a modern library.
She also expressed concerns about the double track system’s impact on students, citing the lack of breaks and increased risk of teenage pregnancy due to extended periods at home.
Achimota Senior High’s Headmaster, Mr. Ebenezer Graham Acquaah, highlighted the school’s success in the National Science and Maths Quiz and noted the transition to a regular calendar.
While acknowledging teachers’ struggles with the double track system, he emphasized the need for enhanced security measures to ensure student safety.
During their visit to Accra Academy, the Headmaster, Mr. Emmanuel Ofoe Fiemawhle, highlighted the school’s academic achievements, noting improvements in student performance from 80.21% in 2021 to 80% to date.
However, he expressed concerns about classroom shortages due to the double track system and appealed to the committee to construct an 18-unit block to accommodate more students.
The Committee’s visit aims to inform policy decisions and interventions to address the challenges faced by senior high schools in the region.
The Committee Chairman,Hon. Peter Kwasi Nortsu-Kotoe commended the schools for their hard work and assured them that measures would be put in place to address the issues raised.