Double Track Begins in VR

Registration for the double track system has kicked off in the Volta Region amidst a few hitches.

Double track, government’s solution to high enrolment on the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme is expected to free up spaces in some SHS to accommodate more students.

In Volta region, 28 SHS have been listed to start the system with three in the Ho Municipality, namely; OLA SHS, Mawuko Girls and Mawuli School.

Unlike in the past, when one could feel the excitement during the registration of first years, the atmosphere this time looked almost lifeless

At the OLA Girls SHS, first year students started reporting last Friday, Mrs Regina Coffie, the Headmistress said.

She said they were expecting a total of 1,052 students in track A and B and 570 students were expected in the first track and so far 39 had registered and reported to the school.

At the Sokode Senior High Technical, which is not part of the double track system, Mr Samuel Ayisah, Headmaster, said they were expecting 503 students though they requested for 227 students.

He was quick to add that the School had the facility to accommodate the huge number given and so far only eight students, made up of four males and four females reported but over 250 had picked prospectus letters.

Mawuli SHS was expecting 907 and 920 students in track A and B respectively while Mawuko Girls SHS had 870 students placed in track A with 500, admitted so far.

Some of the Heads complained that some students coming from long distances were given day status, which would pose a problem for the students and parents.

Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, Volta Regional Minister lauded the Heads when he went on a tour to some of the schools, for welcoming the initiative.

He said government’s plan was to place every child on board the free SHS policy, the reason for the implementation of the double track system.

Dr Letsa said although the new system posed its own challenges it could be surmounted if all stakeholders worked together and assured that by the end of the year, government would put up some more school infrastructure to ease congestions.

Source: GNA