The Ministry of Education will upgrade at least 10 Senior High Schools to Category A and 10 to Category B beginning in 2026, as part of efforts to improve access and equity in Ghana’s secondary education system.
Gov’t to Upgrade 10 Senior High Schools to Category A Starting 2026
The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a transformative initiative aimed at restructuring Ghana’s Senior High School (SHS) classification system beginning in 2026. The reform will see at least 10 Category B schools upgraded to Category A, and another 10 Category C schools elevated to Category B.
According to the Minister, the decision forms part of the government’s broader commitment to equity, access, and infrastructure expansion within the country’s secondary education landscape.
Expanding Access for Over 393,000 Applicants
The reform is strategically designed to address the growing number of SHS applicants—expected to exceed 393,000 students in upcoming academic years—by distributing enrolment more evenly across the country’s schools.
Hon. Iddrisu noted that the move will ease admission pressure on top-performing Category A schools, many of which face annual congestion due to high demand from BECE graduates.
“Our goal is to make quality education accessible and competitive across all regions. No child’s future should depend on whether they attended a Category A school or not,”
— Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education
Infrastructure and Quality Improvement
The Ministry of Education (MoE), working closely with the Ghana Education Service (GES), is expected to embark on large-scale infrastructure projects to support the targeted schools.
These projects will include:
- Construction of new science and ICT laboratories
- Expansion of dormitory and classroom facilities
- Upgrading of staff accommodation and administrative blocks
- Provision of digital learning resources
This upgrade plan aligns with the government’s Education Transformation Agenda, which emphasizes quality, inclusion, and sustainability in line with the Education Strategic Plan (ESP) 2018–2030.
Promoting Equity Across Regions
The selection of schools for elevation will consider regional balance, academic performance, and available infrastructure. The Ministry also aims to ensure that each region benefits from at least one major upgrade to close existing gaps between urban and rural schools.
Education experts have praised the move as a long-overdue step toward decentralizing quality education, reducing inequality among schools, and encouraging regional development through improved learning outcomes.
Broader Vision for Education Reform
The announcement follows ongoing efforts to modernize Ghana’s education system, including digital learning initiatives, teacher professional development programs, and improved funding for STEM and TVET education.
By elevating more schools to higher categories, the government seeks to broaden opportunities for students across socio-economic backgrounds and reinforce Ghana’s position as a leader in education within the West African subregion.
Related Links:
- Government Extends Deadline for 2025 Teacher Promotion Applications
- NTC Reforms Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination Format
- Hohoe Education for All Project Launched to Transform Local Learning
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