Allegations of corruption have once again rocked Ghana’s Computerized School Placement System (CSSPS), with fresh claims of a bribery syndicate operating within the system.
The General Secretary of the Construction and Building Materials Workers Union (CBMWU), Richard Asamoah, has accused some officers of extorting huge sums from parents in exchange for illegal school re-postings.
According to Mr. Asamoah, some parents have reportedly paid between GHS 20,000 and GHS 35,000 to secure placements for their children in preferred senior high schools.
“Personally, I have evidence of some of these things. Some parents have confided in me but are afraid to come forward,” Asamoah told 3News’ Labour Affairs Correspondent. “We cannot continue to stay silent. I urge the Honourable Minister of Education to take a serious look at this.”
He described the alleged bribery scheme as a threat to fairness and meritocracy, warning that it could “become worse than galamsey” if not addressed.
The CBMWU, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), says it is ready to cooperate with the Ministry of Education in any investigations.
“I’m ready to provide the evidence. People are suffering for no reason. If a committee wants to meet me, I am ready to come forward and speak out,” Asamoah added.
Ministry Responds: “CSSPS Is Not for Sale”
Reacting to the allegations, the Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Hashmin Mohammed, confirmed that the Ministry has taken note of the claims and intends to engage the union leader.
“There have been some formulated conspiratorial allegations seeking to paint the BECE placement system as one that is for sale,” he stated. “We want to reiterate that the placement system is not for sale.”
Mohammed urged the public to report any individual or group demanding money for placement to the Ministry of Education, the nearest police station, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
He, however, emphasized the Ministry’s need for concrete evidence to take action.
“In all the cases brought so far, it has been difficult to obtain primary information to begin formal investigations. But if Mr. Asamoah can provide evidence, we will gladly engage him,” Mohammed noted.
“Until then, we maintain that the CSSPS is being applied strictly on merit. We will not condone any act of bribery or corruption.”
Public Concerns Over Transparency
This latest controversy adds to a growing list of challenges facing the Computerized School Placement System, which has over the years been criticized for technical glitches, favoritism, and alleged backdoor dealings.
Stakeholders and education observers are calling for urgent reforms to restore public confidence in the system.
The Ministry of Education has since announced that a full investigation is underway, urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity during the placement period.
