The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has once again emphasised its request for the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to revert to the trimester system in the academic calendar.

NAGRAT has cited the growing student population and the extended teaching period as factors putting significant pressure on teachers and the management of second-cycle institutions.

During a press conference held on Wednesday, September 27, the President of NAGRAT, Mr Angel Carbonu, urged the Ministry to take prompt action on their request.

He also expressed concerns about the government's failure to fulfil its promise of discontinuing the double-track system.

Mr Carbonu highlighted the background, stating, “It's been some seven years ago that the government instituted and initiated the Free Senior High School programme. Associated with the Free SHS is the introduction of the double-track,” he said.

According to him, it is the reason for the double track was introduced to accommodate the increasing number of students and reduce pressure on school facilities.

He continued, "The government promised us at that time that within five years, the double-track system would be a thing of the past. 

“It said it would instruct the Ghana Education Trust Fund to construct facilities and structures in the schools to accommodate the rising number of students.”

Mr Carbonu expressed concern that, despite the promised five-year period having elapsed, two years ago, 40% of the senior high schools still operated the double-track system. 

This system, he maintained, has posed challenges related to attendance and has placed significant pressure on school management and teachers.