The Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, Joseph Azumah, has expressed outrage over what he describes as deep-seated corruption within Ghana’s Senior High School (SHS) placement system.
Speaking on Asempa FM Ekosii Sen, Mr. Azumah alleged that a constituent paid GH¢30,000 to secure a school placement for the child after approaching him for assistance.
“Someone who knew I was an MP came to me at Community 16, where I live, and asked me to help their child gain admission to a certain school.
“Within a week, the person came back with evidence showing that they had paid GH¢30,000 to secure the placement. Why are we doing this to ourselves?” he lamented.
Mr. Azumah expressed shock at the revelation and questioned why some parents were willing to pay such huge sums, warning that the practice only worsens inequality and corruption in the education sector.
“I asked the person, so if your child goes to this school, will they automatically become an MP or a president? Why sacrifice so much for that?” he asked.
He confirmed that the child eventually gained admission, a development he described as further proof of a systemic problem within the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
“This is the kind of country we live in. It shows how deep the problem has become,” he added.
The Akrofuom MP called for tighter supervision of the SHS placement process to curb corruption and restore public trust.
He proposed that District, Municipal, and Metropolitan Chief Executives (DCEs, MCEs, and MMDCEs) be permitted to delegate representatives to serve on monitoring committees to ensure transparency.
“I’m not saying they should interfere, but for supervision and monitoring, DCEs, MCEs, and KMA bosses should be allowed to delegate representatives on the placement board,” he suggested.
Mr. Azumah cautioned that ignoring such corruption risks would erode public confidence in the education system and government institutions.
“Some of the things we claim are small are the same things that destroy governments,” he warned.
Source: Adomonine
ALSO READ: