Thousands of worried parents and students have thronged the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra, which has been turned into a resolution centre following the release of the 2025 Senior High School (SHS) placement results.
The scramble follows news that 107,509 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates—about 18.2% of those who qualified—were not automatically placed in any of their chosen schools. The Ghana Education Service (GES) released the placement results on Wednesday, September 17, with October 18 set as the official reporting date for first-year SHS students.
What began as hopeful excitement has quickly turned into frustration as long queues form at GNAT Hall, with parents seeking corrections to errors and changes in placements. “I came here to change the school the system gave my son,” said Daniel Lartey, one of many parents in line. “The queues are overwhelming, and we just want him in a day school closer to home.”
Read Also: Sammi Awuku: NPP Will Resist Attempts to Silence Opposition Leaders
Some parents accused staff of soliciting bribes instead of ensuring a fair process. This year, 603,328 candidates sat for the BECE, with 590,309 qualifying for placement. Out of these, 483,800 were placed through the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), representing 82% of eligible candidates, including 248,038 girls.
Those who missed automatic placement have been directed to the self-placement portal. However, at GNAT Hall, parents reported cases of students being assigned to schools for the wrong gender, offered programmes they never selected, or left without a placement altogether.
Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak, who visited the centre, admitted to the challenges but urged calm. “Not every student will get their first choice, especially the top-tier schools. But there are equally good options available, and our teams are here to help resolve concerns before the reporting date,” he assured.
The Ministry of Education has also cautioned parents against paying third parties who claim they can secure placements, stressing that the process is free.
With queues still growing and the October 18 deadline approaching, education authorities face mounting pressure to ensure every student secures a place.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem