Fresh allegations of corruption have surfaced within Ghana’s Computerized School Placement System (CSSPS), this time from the labour front. The General Secretary of the Construction and Building Materials Workers Union (CBMWU), Richard Asamoah, has accused some officials of running a “bribery syndicate” within the system.
Speaking in an interview, Labour Affairs Correspondent, Mr. Asamoah alleged that certain officers are extorting between GHS20,000 and GHS35,000 from parents seeking to secure illegal re-postings for their wards to preferred schools.
“Personally, I have evidence of these activities. Some parents have confided in me but are afraid to speak publicly. We cannot continue to stay silent about this. I urge the Honourable Minister of Education to take a serious look at the situation,” he said.
Mr. Asamoah condemned the practice as unjust and exploitative. “Paying between GHS20,000 and GHS35,000 just to change a child’s school placement is unacceptable. These are children who have passed and deserve fair treatment. If this continues, it could become worse than galamsey,” he warned.
The CBMWU, which is affiliated with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has pledged full cooperation with any investigation the Ministry of Education launches into the matter. “I’m ready to provide the evidence. People are suffering for no reason. If a committee wants to meet me, I’m prepared to come forward and testify,” Asamoah added.
Responding to the allegations, the Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Hashmin Mohammed, confirmed that the Ministry is aware of the claims and intends to engage the union leader.
“There have been attempts to portray the BECE placement system as being for sale, but we want to reiterate that it is not. If anyone — whether a Ministry official or a third party — demands money for placement, report them immediately to the Ministry, the nearest police station, or the Office of the Special Prosecutor,” he stated.
Mr. Mohammed emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to transparency but said that concrete evidence is necessary to initiate disciplinary action. “In previous complaints, we’ve struggled to obtain sufficient evidence to begin investigations. If Mr. Asamoah can provide proof, we will act swiftly. We welcome such information to ensure accountability and deter others.”
He maintained that the CSSPS operates on merit, stressing that the Ministry “will not condone any form of bribery or corruption.”
Ghana’s Computerized School Placement System has come under scrutiny in recent years over allegations of favoritism, technical failures, and bribery. These fresh claims have further intensified public concerns about the system’s fairness and integrity.
The Ministry has announced that a full-scale investigation is underway and urged parents and the general public to report any suspicious activity during the placement period.
Stakeholders are also calling for urgent reforms to strengthen transparency and restore public trust in the CSSPS.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem