Ghana's Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) continues to face persistent challenges, drawing strong criticism from former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen. He questioned the system's ongoing struggles, highlighting the difficulties parents and students encounter annually.
Mr. Kyerematen expressed deep concern over the system's inefficiencies, especially given Ghana's three decades of governance under both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He noted that many students with excellent grades, such as aggregate 6 or 10, still struggle to secure placements in their top three school choices. This forces parents to seek changes, often leading to demands for exorbitant fees, reportedly as high as GHS 30,000.
These issues fit into a broader narrative of public service delivery challenges within Ghana's education sector. The CSSPS, designed to ensure fair and transparent school placements, has instead become a source of frustration and financial burden for many families. This situation can exacerbate social inequalities, as wealthier families might more easily navigate the system's complexities or afford unofficial fees.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Kyerematen stated, “How is it that in this day and age, we still have problems with simple computer placement? I am saddened.” He emphasized the sacrifices parents make to educate their children, only to face such hurdles. He also questioned the fairness and efficiency of a system once touted for its impartiality, remarking, “Gone were the days we used to say, ‘Computer, no lie,’ but look at us now.”
The persistent problems with the CSSPS have significant implications for Ghana's human capital development and social cohesion. The Education Ministry confirmed that for the 2026 exercise, 527,932 candidates secured placement, but 76,635 qualified candidates were not automatically placed. This substantial number of unplaced students, largely due to high demand for Category A schools, underscores the capacity challenges within the secondary education system. The current self-placement option, while offering an alternative, does not fully alleviate the stress and potential for exploitation. Decision-makers must address these systemic flaws to ensure equitable access to quality education and prevent further financial strain on Ghanaian families. The integrity of the placement process is crucial for maintaining public trust in the education system and ensuring that merit, not financial capacity, determines a child's educational path. The government must prioritize reforms to enhance transparency, reduce bottlenecks, and eliminate unofficial charges within the CSSPS to safeguard the future of Ghana's youth.