No Category ‘A’ SHS in Three Newly Created Regions – Education Minister Appeals for Support
The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has disclosed that three of Ghana’s six newly created regions currently do not have a Category ‘A’ Senior High School (SHS).
The affected regions are the North East, Savannah and Oti regions. According to the Minister, the absence of top-tier senior high schools in these areas raises concerns about equity and inclusiveness in access to quality secondary education.
Speaking at the inauguration of the governing councils of four colleges of education in Accra, Mr Iddrisu appealed to traditional authorities in the affected regions to collaborate with government to help address the imbalance.
He stressed that the development of quality educational institutions requires strong partnerships between government and local leadership, particularly in infrastructure expansion and support for schools with the potential to be upgraded.
Colleges of Education Inaugurated
The event also marked the inauguration of governing councils for four colleges of education. They include:
- Enchi College of Education, with Dr Frank Kwekucher Acker as Council Chairman
- Al-Faruq College of Education, Wenchi, chaired by Yapeiwura A.B.T. Zakaria
- Gbewaa College of Education, Pusiga, with Prof Imoro Braimah as Council Chairman
- Agogo Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, chaired by Rev Prof Seth Asare-Danso
School Reclassification to Promote Equity
Mr Iddrisu explained that in a bid to promote fairness and inclusivity within the secondary education system, the Ministry of Education had announced the conversion of 30 Category ‘C’ schools to Category ‘B’, and 10 Category ‘B’ schools to Category ‘A’.
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He noted that this policy was intended to expand opportunities for students across the country, particularly in underserved regions.
In addition, the Minister revealed plans by the ministry to expand infrastructure in all existing Category ‘A’ schools to improve quality and accommodate increased enrolment.
Damongo Girls’ SHS Set for Elevation
Touching specifically on the Savannah Region, Mr Iddrisu indicated his intention to upgrade Damongo Girls’ Senior High School to Category ‘A’ status. However, he cautioned that the process would be carefully followed to ensure standards were not compromised.
“I will walk through the process in order that I do not compromise quality for a declaration of a Category ‘A’ school,” he stated.
He assured that Damongo Girls’ SHS, as well as Damongo SHS, would receive the necessary support and attention to meet the standards expected of a top-tier senior high school.
The Minister’s remarks have reignited conversations around regional balance in Ghana’s education system, with stakeholders hopeful that sustained investment and collaboration will help bridge existing gaps in access to quality secondary education.
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