Education Minister vows to review CSSPS system, responding to widespread frustration as students with high grades were placed outside their preferred schools or programs. The announcement was made during a visit to PRESEC Legon, where the minister acknowledged that the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) is not functioning as expected.
Haruna Iddrisu expressed that many students and parents feel unfairly treated, saying: “Some chose Science but were given General Arts or Business. That is a disincentive for children to study hard.” He admitted that the system’s flaws have undermined confidence and must be corrected.
He revealed plans to form a committee to conduct a decade-long audit of CSSPS performance, with the task of proposing credible alternatives. Only merit-based placements will be accepted going forward, he affirmed. “Nobody would accept that you get an Aggregate 6, and you can’t get your first choice,” he declared.
During the PRESEC visit, the minister also inspected school facilities and noted serious infrastructural gaps—insufficient classrooms, dormitories, and laboratories. He pledged that 10 Category C schools will be upgraded to B status and 10 B schools to A status, with PRESEC included among a special ten to receive priority intervention.
Irrisu praised churches, alumni, and old students for supporting education. He said their contributions to infrastructure and student welfare are invaluable and should complement government efforts.
He underscored that reviewing CSSPS will not suffice unless parallel investment is made in expanding school infrastructure, streamlining placement processes, and ensuring transparency. The success of reforms, he argued, depends on public cooperation, oversight, and accountability.
If implemented faithfully, these changes could restore trust in Ghana’s school placement system and reduce the sense of injustice felt by many students. The coming months will test whether rhetoric translates into sustainable reform.
#Vitus@GTS
