There are no flaws in computer SHS placement system – MoE PRO

The Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Education, Hashmin Mohammed, says the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) remains functional, saying there are no flaws in the placement system.

Speaking on Accra-based Citi FM’s Eyewitness News show monitored by Pretertiary.com, the Education Ministry spokesman said the computer school placement system remains functional and relevant.

“The CSSPS system is evolving, and once it evolves, I would believe that policy makers at the highest authority will be assessing, and if there’s a need for that [cancellation], I think policy makers will look into that. But for now, this is the system we have. And we must all work together to make the system work effectively. I do not see any issue with the system,” he told the host of the Eyewitness News show.

The Media Relations Officer of the Ministry of Education’s comment follows criticism that the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) is the primary cause of school placement challenges.

Reacting to the allegations, Mr Hashmin Mohammed said that the real challenge in the school placement is inadequate infrastructure in various second-cycle schools rather than flaws in the placement system.

He emphasized the need for greater investment in infrastructure to make all Senior High Schools (SHSs) attractive, thereby reducing the overwhelming pressure on category A and B schools during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) placement process.

“Maybe going forward, what we can do as a country is to improve infrastructure across the board and make all our schools very competitive. And that is the step this government has taken into consideration by proposing in next year’s budget [2027] to invest heavily in ending the double track system

When that is done, then we can have a lot of spaces even in Category A, B schools, and it will not affect the quality of education. Any policy should not affect the quality of education, and that is the priority of the government,” he explained.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has said the computer school placement system is not working well for the country, adding that he has tasked a committee to review the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

“It means that the computerized placement system is not working well for the country, and I’m happy to review it, and I will review it,” he disclosed this during his visit to Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, on Monday, October 20, where he inspected facilities and assessed the school’s admission procedures.

Speaking to the authorities of the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, the Education Minister said he will put together a committee to review the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS)  to make it fairer and more efficient.

“I’ll put in place a committee to review its performance over the decade, and then give me a credible alternative. What we need is meritorious admission. Nobody would accept that you get an Aggregate 6, and you can’t get the spot of your first choice. That’s unfair, and we’ll look very closely into that,” he said.