Hot SourceAllegations of corruption once again cast a dark shadow over Ghana’s Computerised School Placement System (CSSPS). This time, they originate from within the labour front amid reports of a newly acquired software being utilized by those in control.
The General Secretary of the Construction and Building Materials Workers Union (CBMWU), Richard Asamoah, is calling out what he describes as a “bribery syndicate” operating within the placement system.
Last month, the Ministry of Education launched an investigation into allegations circulating on social media that placement into Aburi Girls’ Senior High School (AGSHS) requires a payment of GH¢15,000.
The claim, attributed to one Gertrude Adzo Borklo, suggested that admission into the prestigious institution could be bought. Her post, which quickly went viral, was deleted shortly afterwards when her account was deactivated.
In a statement, Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, said the allegation was not only false but also deliberately designed to discredit the integrity of the Computerised School Placement System (CSSPS).
However, speaking exclusively to 3news’, Asamoah claimed that some officers are collecting between GHS 20,000 and GHS 35,000 from parents to illegally re-post students to their preferred schools.
“Personally, I have evidence of some of these things. Some parents have confided in me but are afraid to come forward. But I believe we can’t keep quiet about it. I urge the Honourable Minister of Education to take a serious look at this,” Asamoah said.
“Paying as much as GHS20,000 to GHS35,000 just to change a child’s school placement? It’s not right. These are children who have qualified and passed, yet their right to access their preferred schools is being denied. If we don’t address this, it could become worse than galamsey.”
The CBMWU, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), says it is prepared to cooperate fully with any investigation the Ministry of Education may launch into the allegations.
“I’m ready to provide the evidence. People are suffering for no reason. If a committee wants to meet me, I am ready to come forward and speak out,” Asamoah added.
In response to the allegations, the Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Hashmin Mohammed, confirmed that the Ministry has taken note and intends to engage the union leader.
“There have been some formulated conspiratorial allegations seeking to paint the BECE placement system as one that is for sale. We want to reiterate: the placement system is not for sale,” he said.
“If anyone, whether a Ministry official or a third party, demands money for placement, report them to the Ministry, the nearest police station, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor.”
Mohammed stressed that while the Ministry is committed to transparency, it needs concrete evidence to take disciplinary action.
“In all the cases brought so far, it has been difficult to obtain primary information to begin formal investigations. But if Mr Asamoah can provide evidence, we will gladly engage him. We’ve been looking for just such information to hold someone accountable and deter others.”
“Until then, we maintain that the CSSPS system is being applied with merit. But we will not condone any act of bribery or corruption.”
Ghana’s Computerized School Placement System has faced repeated criticism in recent years, from technical glitches to allegations of favouritism and bribery. These latest claims only deepen public concern about transparency, accountability, and fairness in the school placement process.
The Ministry says a full investigation is underway and is urging parents and the general public to report any suspicious activity during the placement period.
Stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms to restore public trust in the system.
We’ll continue to bring you updates as this story develops.
Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Apaak’s statement on Gertrude Adzo Borklo’s claimed, said the allegation was not only false but also deliberately designed to discredit the integrity of the Computerised School Placement System (CSSPS).
“This claim appears to feed into a conspiratorial narrative intended to create the false impression that the BECE placement system is for sale,” Dr Apaak stated. “The Ministry views this allegation with the utmost seriousness and has initiated an immediate investigation.”
According to the Ministry, other anonymous accounts have since been spreading similar claims online, further fuelling public suspicion.
According to the ministry, the account was deactivated shortly after the claim was posted. Dr. Apaak revealed that other anonymous accounts have since been amplifying similar claims, fueling further suspicion.
In response, the ministry is working with National Security, the Cyber Security Authority, and other state agencies to trace the individuals behind the allegations and assist with investigations. “We are collaborating closely with National Security, the Cyber Security Authority, and other agencies to track down these people,” the Deputy Minister added.
The ministry has also categorically denied that the computerized placement system comes at any cost to parents or students.
“The BECE Computerized School Placement System is entirely free of charge. At no point is payment required to access this service,” Dr Apaak stressed.
He further urged members of the public to assist in exposing individuals, whether officials or third parties, who attempt to exploit the system.
“We call on members of the public to provide any information or evidence of persons, whether Ministry officials or third parties, who demand money for placements. The Ministry assures swift and decisive action against any individual found culpable,” he emphasized.
To facilitate the reporting of such cases, the ministry has established dedicated hotlines: 054 154 8223 for calls and 024 490 8957 for WhatsApp messages.
According to the deputy minister, the ministry is committed to preserving the integrity of Ghana’s placement system and rebuilding public trust.
“Together, we can safeguard the integrity and transparency of Ghana’s school placement system and weed out unscrupulous people who seek to benefit unduly from this important national exercise,” Dr Apaak underscored.
Meanwhile, nationwide school placement resolution centres, which opened on Friday, 18 September 2025, have already received thousands of complaints from parents and guardians.
These centres, established in regional capitals, are tasked with handling grievances, verifying placement details and ensuring prompt redress.
Dr Apaak concluded by urging public cooperation to safeguard the transparency of Ghana’s school placement system. “Together, we can protect the integrity of this vital national exercise and weed out unscrupulous persons seeking to profit from it.”
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