Fresh allegations of corruption have once again hit the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), compelling the Minister of Education to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Education and sighted by The Chronicle, the Ministry acknowledged the growing reports of bribery and extortion allegedly plaguing the placement process.
“The attention of the Ministry of Education has been drawn to media publications attributing allegations of bribery in the ongoing school placement process to the Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, Joseph Azumah,” the statement read.
Mr. Joseph Azumah had earlier claimed that a constituent approached him at Community 16, where he resides, to help secure placement for their child.
According to him, within a week, the person returned with evidence, showing that they had paid GH¢30,000 to facilitate the school placement.
Meanwhile, the Ministry noted that it views these allegations, alongside similar claims recently made by the Secretary of the Construction and Building Workers’ Union of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Richard Asamoah Mensah, with “the utmost seriousness and concern.”
Given the gravity of the claims, the Minister of Education has convened a meeting with National Security and has formally referred the allegations for urgent and thorough investigation.
The statement assured the public of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to uphold integrity, transparency and fairness in the CSSPS process.
“Any individual found to have engaged in acts of bribery, extortion or manipulation of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System will face the full rigours of the law,” the statement emphasised.
The Ministry further urged Joseph Azumah, Mr. Richard Asamoah Mensah and any other persons with credible evidence to fully cooperate with National Security to aid the ongoing investigations.
It concluded by reaffirming the Ministry’s resolve to safeguard the integrity of the school placement system and ensure that access to secondary education in Ghana remains free, fair and merit-based for every eligible child.
