Two individuals have been arrested in Accra for alleged fraud involving Ghana's Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). The suspects reportedly collected between GHS 9,500 and GHS 22,000 from victims. They promised to secure placements in preferred Senior High Schools, according to police reports.
The arrests occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the CSSPS Resolution Centre. Police identified the suspects as 24-year-old Vicentia Appiah Antwi and 18-year-old Suzzy Owusu. The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, provided the initial tip-off after two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates reported the scheme. These candidates presented evidence that the suspects offered to facilitate school placements for money.
This incident underscores persistent challenges within Ghana's education system regarding fair access and transparency. The CSSPS aims to ensure equitable placement for all students based on merit. However, such alleged fraudulent activities undermine public trust and create an uneven playing field. Past reports have also highlighted similar attempts to exploit anxious parents seeking quality education for their children.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu directed security authorities to act swiftly upon reviewing the evidence. The suspects were handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters for questioning. They were later granted bail to a credible surety to assist investigators. The police are now tracing two other alleged accomplices, Nana Yaw Boateng and Alex Asumani, also known as Lexus.
The Ministry of Education has consistently stated that placement through the CSSPS is free of charge. This reiteration serves as a crucial warning to parents and students against paying individuals for placement services. Such warnings aim to protect families from exploitation and maintain the integrity of the placement process. The Ministry urges vigilance and encourages reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.
This alleged fraud highlights the need for continued vigilance and robust enforcement mechanisms within the education sector. Authorities must ensure that the CSSPS remains a transparent and merit-based system. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by parents, students, and education stakeholders. It could influence future policy decisions regarding school placement security and public awareness campaigns. The government's commitment to tackling such corruption is vital for maintaining public confidence in national institutions.