World Bank Approves $300m STARR-J Project to End Double-Track System in SHSs by 2027

The World Bank has approved a US$300 million financing package to support Ghana’s plan to phase out the double-track system in Senior High Schools and strengthen secondary education nationwide.

The Ministry of Education announced the approval in a press statement issued today, confirming that the funds will be channeled through the _Transformative Secondary Education for Access, Results and Relevance for Jobs (STARR-J) Project_.

*Target: End double-track by 2027*

According to the Ministry, the STARR-J Project is a major intervention designed to expand access, improve quality and relevance, and address critical infrastructure deficits arising from the expansion of Free Senior High School education.

“A key objective of the project is to support the Government’s commitment to ending the double-track system in Senior High Schools across the country,” the statement read.

Through targeted investments in educational infrastructure, improved learning conditions, and enhanced system efficiency, the Government expects that by 2027, no secondary school in Ghana will be operating under the double-track system.

*“Major investment in Ghana’s youth” – Education Minister*

Commenting on the approval, Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, described the project as strategic for Ghana’s long-term development.

“This project is a major investment in Ghana’s growing youthful population and a strategic contribution to the country’s long-term human capital development and global competitiveness,” Hon. Iddrisu stated.

“It will help expand learning opportunities, improve school conditions, better align secondary education with the skills demanded by the labour market, and, more importantly, respond to the infrastructure deficit associated with expanded access to Free Secondary Education.”

*Appreciation to World Bank, Finance Ministry*

The Ministry expressed appreciation to World Bank Country Director Robert Taliercio O’Brien, the World Bank Education team, and the Ministry of Finance led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for their continued support towards transforming Ghana’s education sector.