To curb protocol admissions and bribery in SHS placement, the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) was created. This year, over 590,000 BECE candidates qualified, and 483,800 were placed in schools. Those who weren’t placed were directed to use the self-placement portal or visit solution centers.
On paper, SHS placement is transparent and free. But public experiences continue to suggest otherwise.
Public Complaints About SHS Placement
During the Orange Sunrise show, listeners called in to share worrying experiences with SHS placement. Some said relatives were told to provide cement, plastic chairs, or dustbins to secure a spot. Others claimed they were charged between GH¢50 and GH¢5,000, with payments reportedly taken in cash to avoid mobile money traces.
Just yesterday, two individuals were arrested for allegedly trying to manipulate the SHS placement system. According to Dr. Belinda Glover of the Free SHS Secretariat, they arrived with several placement request sheets—some holding five or more. She noted that having more than two sheets often indicates involvement in business deals.
It has been revealed some suspects collect money from desperate parents and pose as guardians to influence SHS placement. They were handed over to the police along with the money they allegedly brought.
These arrests follow claims that placement slots in schools like Aburi Girls were being sold for up to GH¢5,000. Parents in different regions continue to report being asked to pay to “secure” SHS placement for their children.
Official Responses
The Ghana Education Service insists that SHS placement is absolutely free and has urged parents to refuse payment requests and report anyone involved. The contradiction, however, is raising serious questions.
If SHS placement is free and without corruption, why are arrests being made? Many believe a hidden market exists around the process, and these arrests seem to confirm public suspicions.
With trust declining, even a fair SHS placement procedure can appear compromised.
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