The Ministry of Education has welcomed calls by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for greater transparency, accountability and an eventual review of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
In a statement, the Ministry stressed that the CSSPS is fundamentally a merit-based system, with merit taking precedence over protocol in the placement of qualified candidates.
According to the Ministry, the system is designed to ensure that placement decisions are guided by established criteria and that every qualified student is treated fairly within the approved framework.
The Ministry, however, acknowledged the need for continuous improvement and strengthening of the placement process.
It said that after the conclusion of the current placement exercise, it will establish a Technical Working Committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the CSSPS.
“The review will assess the various components of the system, identify areas requiring improvement, and strengthen transparency and accountability,” the statement added.
The committee will also make recommendations to ensure that the CSSPS remains credible, efficient, fair and responsive to the needs of students, parents and schools.
Placement remains free
The Ministry further reiterated that CSSPS placement is free, stressing that no parent or candidate is required to pay money to secure a placement or have an existing placement changed.
It urged parents and guardians who have credible evidence of officials or third parties demanding money in connection with school placement to report such cases to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The Ministry said the identity of individuals who report such cases will be protected.
The statement comes amid concerns over the transparency and effectiveness of the school placement system, with calls for reforms to improve public confidence in the process.
The Ministry said it remains committed to protecting the integrity of the CSSPS and ensuring that merit, fairness and transparency remain at the heart of the placement process.
