"Fix SHS placement bottlenecks for BECE graduates" — Patricia Appiagyei tells govt

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has called on the Ministry of Education to immediately resolve ongoing operational challenges with the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

Addressing the media during a tour of several Basic and Junior High Schools (JHS) in her constituency on the first day of the academic term, Hon. Appiagyei expressed concern over widespread complaints from parents and guardians.

According to the MP, many graduates of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) have been assigned to institutions far below their top preferences despite achieving the required aggregate scores.

Worse still, he noted that numerous students with strong performance profiles, ranging from aggregate scores of 18 to 21 have yet to receive any placement at all.

"The persistent glitches and delays within the CSSPS are creating significant anxiety and frustration among parents who are desperate to secure placements for their children," the Deputy Minority Leader stated.

She added that "this situation requires urgent intervention from education authorities."

Policy Criticisms & Background
Hon. Appiagyei argued that the current administration is struggling to manage the logistics of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) framework because it was designed and rolled out under the previous administration.

Introduced in September 2017 under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Free SHS policy aimed to eliminate financial barriers by absorbing tuition, boarding, textbook, and feeding fees for all eligible JHS graduates transitioning into Senior High Schools and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Ghana.

Hon. Appiagyei contended that the current government’s handling of the placement process demonstrates a lack of understanding of the system's foundational architecture.

"The government is struggling with these operational challenges because they did not design the policy framework. The Free SHS initiative was engineered to guarantee seamless, fee-free access for every qualified graduate, and it must be maintained with the administrative rigor it requires," she remarked.

First-Day Engagement
During the constituency tour, the Municipal Director of Education for Asokwa, Rev. Ebenezer Oteng Marfo, commended local basic schools for achieving high attendance rates on the opening day of the academic calendar.

Addressing the pupils, Rev. Marfo underscored the transformative power of education and encouraged them to remain dedicated to their academic pursuits.

"I urge you to stay focused on your studies so you can develop into responsible leaders and citizens capable of taking up key roles in society," he stated.

As part of the visit, Hon. Appiagyei distributed essential educational materials, including exercise books, pencils, erasers, coloring sets, and snacks, with a primary focus on young pupils entering school for the first time.

The MP’s delegation visited several facilities, including Larbec International School, Christlove Educational Complex, Dompoase M/A Basic and JHS, Sukuriya Islamic Basic, and the Gyinyase Cluster of Schools.

She was accompanied by Asokwa Municipal Education Directorate officials, New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executives, electoral area coordinators, and community stakeholders.