Free SHS double-track system not cancelled – GES

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed media reports suggesting that the 2025/2026 academic calendar has fully reverted to the single-track system.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 24, 2025, the GES explained that the newly released calendar accommodates both single-track and double-track schools, stressing that no decision has been made to completely abolish the double-track system.

The statement read:

Also readPatience Akyianu, former Barclays Bank Ghana MD and Hollard CEO, reportedly dies

“In the spirit of transparent and honest communication, the Ghana Education Service (GES) wishes to clarify that the 2025/2026 academic calendar has 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲-𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺, as reported in some sections of the media. The academic calendar, released last week, makes clear provision for both 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲-𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 and 𝗱𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲-𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸 schools.”

Also readL.I. 2519: Full list of road traffic offences and jail terms in Ghana

Key Dates in the New Calendar

According to the revised schedule, the new academic year will officially begin on Saturday, October 18, 2025, with all first-year students expected to report on that date.

• Single-track schools will close on August 21, 2026.

• Double-track schools will end the academic year on September 4, 2026.

Directives to Regional Directors

GES confirmed that all regional directors of education have been instructed to ensure the distribution of the calendar to heads of second-cycle schools nationwide. School heads are expected to strictly adhere to the official dates to maintain uniformity across the education system.

Also readAccra-Kumasi Expressway: Route, interchanges, distance and key details of the 198.7km project

A letter signed by Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instructions Division, also noted that a detailed calendar—with term dates, holidays, and special arrangements—has been attached to guide school operations.

Background on the Double-Track System

This clarification follows widespread media claims that the double-track system, introduced in 2018 to ease congestion in Senior High Schools (SHS), had been scrapped. GES emphasised that such reports were misleading and urged the public to rely on official communication.

Parents, students, and school administrators have been encouraged to consult the official academic calendar and follow regular updates from GES to avoid misinformation.