The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has called for an independent review of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), citing concerns about fairness, transparency and alleged corruption in the placement process. In a statement issued on Monday, September 14, the Bishops acknowledged that the computerised system was introduced to promote efficiency and equal access to senior high schools. However, they said persistent complaints from parents and students made an independent assessment of the system necessary.
The Conference noted that 527,932 out of the 604,567 candidates who qualified for placement this year had been placed when the results were released. It stressed the need for placement decisions to be clearly explained, particularly in cases where students are assigned to schools that do not adequately accommodate their sex, disability, medical needs or geographical location.
The Bishops also called for accessible procedures to enable parents and students to correct genuine placement errors. They said priority should be given to cases involving disabilities, medical conditions, significant distance challenges and administrative mistakes.
The Conference further raised concerns over allegations that some parents are being asked to pay money to secure school placements for their children. It maintained that if placement is intended to be free, no official, agent or intermediary should demand or accept payment.
It added that proven cases of such practices should result in disciplinary measures and, where appropriate, criminal prosecution. The Bishops also urged the government to provide greater clarity on so-called “protocol” admissions, including their legal basis, the number of places allocated and the criteria used to determine who qualifies for such placements.
According to the Conference, the CSSPS cannot enjoy public confidence if parents believe that money, personal connections or influence can be used to secure admission for children who would otherwise not qualify for particular schools.
