Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to review the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to make it fairer, more transparent, and more efficient.
He made the announcement during a working visit to the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, on Monday, October 20, where he toured facilities and assessed the school’s admission processes.
Mr. Iddrisu expressed concern over complaints from parents and students who said the current placement system denied qualified students their preferred programmes or schools despite excellent grades.
“I have observed that some parents are unhappy—and justifiably so. Some students are also unhappy because they chose Science but were given General Arts or Business instead. That can be a major disincentive for students who have worked hard and excelled,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged that the CSSPS, in its current form, was not serving its intended purpose.
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“It means the computerised placement system is not working well for the country, and I’m happy to review it—and I will review it,” he stated.
He revealed that a committee will be established to assess the performance of the CSSPS over the past decade and propose credible reforms.
“What we need is a system that rewards merit. Nobody should get an Aggregate 6 and still miss out on their first-choice school. That’s unfair, and we will look closely into that,” he assured.
Beyond placement concerns, the Minister addressed broader challenges facing the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, noting that ensuring quality education required deliberate investment in infrastructure.
“We must manage the crisis in the provision of quality Free SHS education. That means sustainable investment—more classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories for our learners,” he said.
Mr. Iddrisu also commended the vital role of alumni and religious bodies in supporting education, highlighting PRESEC’s strong partnership with the Presbyterian Church.
“I’ve observed the immense contribution of old boys and the church in supporting education. The partnership between the state and the Presbyterian Church deserves commendation,” he noted.
He praised PRESEC for its legacy of excellence and the calibre of leaders it has produced.
“From Odumase to Accra, PRESEC has trained many distinguished personalities, including Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye. They are proud products of this great institution,” he remarked.
However, he acknowledged that the school was facing infrastructure challenges.
“My assessment here shows that classrooms are inadequate, dormitories are overcrowded, and laboratories are insufficient and not in good condition,” he said.
To address these issues, the Minister announced that the government will embark on a phased national upgrade of schools.
“Government will, between now and 2026, deliberately upgrade 10 Category C schools to B, and 10 Category B schools to A. PRESEC will be part of a special group of 10 schools to receive targeted infrastructural improvements in classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories,” he revealed.
Meanwhile, about 590,000 first-year Senior High School students began reporting to their respective schools from Saturday, October 18, and Monday, October 20, 2025, to commence the 2025/2026 academic year.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem