The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has revealed that the government is set to review the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to make it fairer, more transparent, and merit-driven.
Speaking during an official visit to Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, on Monday, October 20, 2025, the Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the current placement process, which has drawn criticism from parents and students over perceived unfairness and irregularities.
“I have observed that some parents are unhappy — justified. Some students are unhappy — justified — because they chose a particular course like Science and were given General Arts or Business,” the Minister said. “That would be a disincentive even for that child to study hard and do his best.”
He noted that the placement system, which was designed to ensure equitable distribution of students across public senior high schools, has fallen short of expectations.
“It means that the computerised placement system is not working well for the country, and I’m happy to review it, and I will review it,” Mr Iddrisu declared.
The Minister announced plans to establish a special committee to evaluate the CSSPS’s performance over the past decade and propose reforms that promote fairness and transparency.
“I’ll put in place a committee to review its performance over the decade and give me a credible alternative. What we need is meritorious admission. Nobody would accept that you get an Aggregate 6, and you can’t get your first-choice school. That’s unfair, and we’ll look very closely into that,” he emphasized.
This move follows widespread public debate after several top-performing students reportedly missed admission to their preferred schools and programs despite achieving excellent grades in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Mr Iddrisu also used his visit to PRESEC to discuss the ongoing challenges facing the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, particularly issues of infrastructure and overcrowding.
“My understanding, as I’ve gone around this morning, is that we need to manage the crisis in the provision of quality Free Senior High School education in Ghana. To manage it will mean deliberate, sustainable investment in education — expanded classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories for learners,” he stated.
He acknowledged the vital role of alumni associations and religious institutions in complementing government efforts, citing the Presbyterian Church’s partnership with the state as a model of educational collaboration.
“What I’ve noticed is the role of old students in supporting the state. I recognise a strong bond between the church and the state in providing quality education. The Presbyterian Church deserves recognition and tribute for its continued support,” he added.
The Minister lauded PRESEC for its track record of academic excellence and its contribution to national development, mentioning notable alumni such as Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Dr Bernard Okoe Boye.
However, he acknowledged that the school faces significant infrastructure deficits. “My assessment here is that classrooms are not adequate, dormitories are not adequate, laboratories insufficient and not in good shape,” he admitted.
To address this, the government intends to embark on a national school upgrade initiative. “Government will deliberately, in the coming years, particularly into 2026, work to upgrade 10 Category C schools to B schools, and 10 Category B schools to A schools. Then I’ll pick a special 10, and PRESEC will be part of that special 10,” he promised.
Meanwhile, about 590,000 first-year Senior High School students have begun reporting to their respective schools across Ghana for the 2025/2026 academic year, which officially started on Saturday, October 18.
The Ministry of Education has assured parents and guardians that efforts are ongoing to improve placement, infrastructure, and overall learning conditions in senior high schools nationwide.
With the review of the CSSPS and the proposed infrastructural upgrades, the government aims to ensure a more equitable and efficient education system that rewards merit and promotes quality learning for all Ghanaian students.
