Education Ministry welcomes calls for CSSPS review, stresses merit-based placement

The Ministry of Education has announced plans to review the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) after the conclusion of the ongoing placement exercise.

The move follows a call by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for greater transparency, accountability and an eventual review of the system amid concerns over the placement process.

In a statement signed by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, the Ministry said it welcomes the call and is committed to improving the credibility and effectiveness of the CSSPS.

“The Ministry of Education welcomes the call by the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference for greater transparency, accountability and the ultimate review of the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).”

The Ministry, however, stressed that the CSSPS is fundamentally a merit-based system, with merit taking precedence over protocol in the placement of qualified candidates.

“The Ministry wishes to emphasize that the CSSPS is fundamentally a merit-based system, with merit taking precedence over protocol in the placement of qualified candidates.”

It said the system is intended to ensure that placement decisions are guided by established criteria and that qualified students are treated fairly within the approved placement framework.

According to the Ministry, a Technical Working Committee will be established after the current placement exercise to conduct a comprehensive review of the process.

“The review will examine the various components of the system, identify areas requiring improvement, strengthen transparency and accountability, and make recommendations to ensure that the CSSPS remains credible, efficient, fair and responsive to the needs of students, parents and schools.”

The Ministry also reiterated that placement into senior high and technical schools is free and cautioned parents and candidates against paying money to secure placements or have existing placements changed.

“CSSPS placement is free. No parent or candidate is required to pay money to secure a placement or to have a 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 the matter to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

The Ministry said such complaints could involve officials of the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, the CSSPS Secretariat, Ghana Technical Vocational Education and Training or any third party.

It also assured those who report such cases that their identities would be protected.

The planned review comes amid concerns surrounding the 2026/27 second-cycle school placement exercise, including complaints from some parents and candidates over school choices and placement outcomes.

The Ministry has maintained that placements are guided by merit, candidates’ choices, available vacancies and the approved placement criteria.

By establishing the Technical Working Committee after the current exercise, the Ministry says it intends to identify areas requiring improvement and recommend measures to strengthen the system.

It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that “merit, fairness and transparency remain at the heart of the placement process.”