Ghana Government Announces Upgrade of Category B SHS to Category A: A Step Toward Equitable Education in 2026
In a bid to tackle longstanding issues in Ghana’s senior high school (SHS) placement system, Education Minister Hon. Haruna Iddrisu has unveiled plans to upgrade select Category B schools to Category A status starting in 2026. This initiative, announced during the launch of the ADEA Triennale on Education Conference, aims to promote fairness, expand access, and address the overwhelming demand for spots in top-tier schools. With over 393,000 qualified applicants vying for just 76,000 vacancies in Category A institutions, the move is seen as a critical reform to ease placement challenges. As of October 14, 2025, this development has sparked discussions on infrastructure funding, educational equity, and broader reforms like phasing out the double-track system. In this in-depth blog post, we’ll explore the details, implications, and what it means for students, parents, and the education sector.
Follow us on WhatsApp for more updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCyYGIFHWpx22L38a2K
Seekers Consult
Contact Us for Your Study Abroad Journey
We search for schools and check available scholarships for you
Contact: 0550414552 / 0362297079
Loan for government workers
Turnitin checker (Plagiarism and AI checker)
Transcript Application
English Proficiency
Recommendation letter
Project work/thesis for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
Apply for Affidavit, Gazette instantly
Passport and Visa Applications
All other Internet Services
- Nottingham Trent University — International Scholarships (2026) Academic Year
- Aston University Scholarships 2026: International & Cadbury Awards
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship now open for 2026-2027
- Documents Needed for Master’s Scholarship Applications + Free Samples (2025 Guide)
Understanding Ghana’s SHS Categorization System
Ghana’s SHS system categorizes schools into A, B, and C based on factors like academic performance, infrastructure, facilities, and historical reputation. Category A schools are the most prestigious, often boasting better resources, higher WASSCE pass rates, and stronger alumni networks. Examples include Adisadel College, Opoku Ware School, and St. Peter’s SHS. Category B schools are solid mid-tier options with good but not elite facilities, while Category C includes newer or less-resourced institutions.
The categorization influences the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), where high-performing BECE candidates prioritize Category A schools. However, this has led to inequities: Oversubscription to A schools leaves many qualified students underserved, exacerbating regional disparities and overcrowding. The Free SHS policy, while increasing enrollment, has amplified these issues, prompting the double-track system in 2018—which Minister Iddrisu now plans to phase out by 2027 with GH¢1 billion from GETFUND.
Students at a Category A Senior High School in Ghana
Follow us on WhatsApp for more updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCyYGIFHWpx22L38a2K
Seekers Consult
Contact Us for Your Study Abroad Journey
We search for schools and check available scholarships for you
Contact: 0550414552 / 0362297079
Loan for government workers
Turnitin checker (Plagiarism and AI checker)
Transcript Application
English Proficiency
Recommendation letter
Project work/thesis for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
Apply for Affidavit, Gazette instantly
Passport and Visa Applications
All other Internet Services
- Nottingham Trent University — International Scholarships (2026) Academic Year
- Aston University Scholarships 2026: International & Cadbury Awards
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship now open for 2026-2027
- Documents Needed for Master’s Scholarship Applications + Free Samples (2025 Guide)
Key Details of the Upgrade Announcement
Minister Haruna Iddrisu revealed the plan at the ADEA Triennale, emphasizing the “near impossibility” of placing 393,000 applicants into 76,000 spots. The core proposal includes:
- Upgrading 10 Category B Schools to Category A: This will involve infrastructure enhancements like new classrooms, dormitories, and improved teaching aids to match A-level standards.
- Upgrading 10 Category C Schools to Category B: A cascading effect to boost mid-tier capacity and overall equity.
- Timeline: Implementation begins in 2026, following discussions with the President.
The Minister stressed the need for budgetary support, requesting GH¢300 million specifically for Category A expansions to end the double-track system by 2026. This aligns with broader 2025 budget allocations, including GH¢31.7 billion for education and GH¢3.5 billion for Free SHS. Additionally, GETFUND will finance Free SHS sustainability, shifting focus to infrastructure.
Budgetary Requirements and Funding Sources
A key hurdle is funding. Minister Iddrisu highlighted that upgrades require “adequate budgetary support and allocation” for classrooms, dormitories, and materials. The GH¢300 million request to the Finance Ministry targets immediate infrastructure in Category A schools. Long-term, GETFUND’s policy shift will sustain Free SHS and support upgrades. This comes amid a GH¢1 billion allocation to phase out double-track, aiming for a single-track system by 2027.
Related Developments: Addressing Unpaid Teachers and Other Reforms
The announcement coincides with efforts to resolve teacher grievances. The Coalition of Unpaid Teachers petitioned the Minister on September 30, 2025, over 13 months of arrears. Iddrisu assured a joint memo with Finance to Cabinet, promising absorption of 3,200 teachers and payments soon. Cabinet has approved absorbing 620 trainee teachers, with more recruitments planned.
Other reforms include:
- Including private SHS in Free SHS.
- Building a B-STEM facility in the Northern Region.
- New community SHS in Shime.
![All Category B Schools in Ghana by Region [UPDATED]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9wWApJCF4N4/maxresdefault.jpg)
Category B SHS Students in Uniform – Potential Upgrades Ahead
Implications for Students, Parents, and Education Equity
This upgrade could transform Ghana’s education landscape:
- For Students: More Category A spots mean better chances for high-achievers from underserved areas, reducing placement stress.
- For Parents: Fairer access to quality education, potentially lowering private school costs.
- Equity Boost: Bridging gaps between A, B, and C schools promotes inclusive growth, aligning with SDG 4.
- Challenges Ahead: Success depends on timely funding; delays could perpetuate issues.
Critics note that while upgrades are welcome, holistic reforms—like teacher training and digital tools—are needed.
- Nottingham Trent University — International Scholarships (2026) Academic Year
- Aston University Scholarships 2026: International & Cadbury Awards
- Mastercard Foundation Scholarship now open for 2026-2027
- Documents Needed for Master’s Scholarship Applications + Free Samples (2025 Guide)
Follow us on WhatsApp for more updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCyYGIFHWpx22L38a2K
Seekers Consult
Contact Us for Your Study Abroad Journey
We search for schools and check available scholarships for you
Contact: 0550414552 / 0362297079
Loan for government workers
Turnitin checker (Plagiarism and AI checker)
Transcript Application
English Proficiency
Recommendation letter
Project work/thesis for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
Apply for Affidavit, Gazette instantly
Passport and Visa Applications
All other Internet Services
About The Author
