Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, has announced a significant proposal aimed at restructuring Ghana’s secondary education system. The proposed Free Senior High School (SHS) Bill, yet to be tabled before Parliament, seeks to extend secondary education to six years, adding three years to the current system.
Under the new bill, junior high school (JHS) would be separated from basic education and integrated into a six-year secondary education framework. The bill proposes the elimination of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) as a prerequisite for entering secondary school.
During a recent media engagement, Dr. Adutwum explained that, if passed, the Free SHS Bill would make SHS certification the primary academic qualification in Ghana, replacing the BECE. This restructuring aims to provide a seamless six-year secondary education experience, with new schools designed to accommodate both JHS and SHS students on the same campuses.
Existing schools with combined JHS and SHS programs would continue this practice, reflecting the traditional model where students from different levels study together.
Dr. Adutwum highlighted that the bill intends to revive a system akin to the old Middle School and Secondary School setup. In this system, the Common Entrance Examination determined school placement, and the Hall Examination served as certification for employment or further education opportunities.
The proposed Free SHS Bill represents a significant shift in Ghana’s education system, aiming to enhance the continuity and quality of secondary education. The bill’s potential impact on students, teachers, and the broader educational landscape will be closely watched as it moves through the legislative process.
