Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to establish a technical committee to review the Computerized School Placement System (CSSPS) following growing public dissatisfaction over its fairness and efficiency.
Speaking during a visit to Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC-Legon) in Accra to welcome newly admitted first-year students, the Minister said the review will take a comprehensive look at the placement process and propose credible reforms within 30 days.
According to him, the decision was influenced by repeated complaints from parents and students who feel the system has failed to place candidates according to their choices and merits.
“I have observed that some parents are unhappy, justified. Some students are unhappy, justified, because they chose a particular course and were given something else. That will be a disincentive even for that child,” he said.
“It means that the computerized placement system is not working well for the country, and I’m happy to review it. I’ll put in place a committee to review its performance over 30 days and give me a credible alternative. What we need is meritorious admission.”
He further stressed that no student should be denied admission due to protocol influences or systemic lapses, describing such cases as “unfair.”
The Minister added that the upcoming review will engage key stakeholders, including school authorities and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), to ensure the placement process reflects transparency, merit, and fairness.
Mr. Iddrisu also used the visit to assess infrastructure conditions in schools, noting that classrooms, dormitories, and laboratories remain inadequate and in poor condition.
He announced that government will, by 2026, embark on an initiative to upgrade 10 category C schools to category B status and 10 category B schools to category A.
He hinted at a special intervention package for 10 selected schools to improve infrastructure, laboratories, and accommodation facilities.