Napo educates Mahama on SHS Double Track System

The Minister of Education, Hon Matthew Opoku Prempeh popularly called Napo has educated the former President John Dramani Mahama on the implementation of the Senior High school Double Track System.

His explanation came at the heels of some comments the former President made regarding the hours students are to spend in the classroom.

In a video clip circulating on social media, former President John Mahama was seen and heard to have stated that under the Double Track System, Senior High School students are to be in school for a total of 82 out of the 365 days in a year.

Below is a copy of the full statement;

8th January 2019

PRESS RELEASE

RE: ‘SHS STUDENTS TO SPEND 82 OUT OF 365 DAYS IN A YEAR’ – FMR PRESIDENT MAHAMA

The attention of the Ministry of Education has been drawn to a video clip circulating on social media, in which former President John Mahama stated that under the Double Track System, Senior High School students are to be in school for a total of 82 out of the 365 days in a year.

In response, we wish to state for the avoidance of doubt as follows:

1. Under the semester system introduced at the start of the 2018/19 academic year, students are to spend a total of 162 TEACHING days a year in school.

(ie. 81 teaching days per semester, approximately 8 calendar months) and not 82 teaching days per academic year as the former president claimed.

The 162 teaching days are the number of days students will actually be in class during the year. This excludes weekends and public holidays.

2. The 162 teaching days translate to 225 calendar days in school for boarders. It must be noted that under the semester system, the teaching day has been extended by one hour.

This means that the total number of teaching hours per academic year has increased from 1080 hours to 1134 per year. Students, therefore, gain more contact hours under the semester system, which has replaced the trimester system.

It is obvious from the above that the former President has been misinformed over the issue.

We will continue to pursue the double track system as a measure of improving access to, and enhancing quality senior high school education. We believe this is key to improving learning outcomes and ultimately putting the country on the path to economic sustainability.

Signed

Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh

Minister