Gov’t to convert 20 Category B schools into Category A – Haruna Iddrisu

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to expand infrastructure in Senior High Schools (SHSs), including the conversion of 20 Category B schools into Category A institutions and the construction of 10 new model Category A schools.

Speaking on an Accra- based TV station on Friday, September 11, 2026, Mr Iddrisu said the move was part of government’s efforts to address the growing demand for places in top-tier secondary schools and ease pressure on the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

He disclosed that government had secured support from the World Bank through the STARR-J initiative, which includes US$300 million for infrastructure development.

“We are going to convert 20 Category B schools into A and we will build 10 new model Category A schools in the country,” he stated.

The Minister also said he had directed the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to prioritise infrastructure expansion in Category A schools under the 2027 funding formula.

According to him, between GH¢250 million and GH¢300 million should be allocated to expand infrastructure in 10 Category A schools, where demand for admission is highest.

Mr Iddrisu argued that the introduction of the Free SHS programme led to a significant increase in student numbers without a corresponding expansion of school infrastructure.

He noted that the infrastructure deficit had contributed to the pressure on the placement system, particularly as many students compete for limited spaces in Category A schools.

The Minister earlier disclosed that about 328,000 students selected Category A schools for the 2026 placement exercise, while only 76,000 vacancies were available.

He maintained that expanding infrastructure and creating additional spaces in schools would be critical to reducing the pressure on the CSSPS and addressing the mismatch between students’ choices and available vacancies.

By Agnes Kusi