Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak has described as frivolous speculations that government is using the School selection Placement to collapse the free SHS.
The Deputy Minister’s comments follows allegations from the opposition who argued that the quantum of Candidates who were not placed [due to bad grades in English and Maths ] are enough grounds that government wants to cancel the Free SHS policy.
Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak addressing the media
But the Deputy Minister, at a News conference in Accra on Monday stressed that such assertions are false and propaganda entreating the public to treat with the contempt it deserves as government has no such plans to collapse the policy.
He said it is the view of government that all school going age will be on school regardless of status.
SELF PLACEMENT
Dr. Apaak also emphasized that candidates who were not placed in Senior High Schools (SHSs) after the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) can use the self-placement process on the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to select schools with available vacancies.
The Builsa North Member of Parliament revealed that 57,259 candidates were not placed through the initial CSSPS process adding that of that number, 35,382 candidates obtained a grade 9 in either Mathematics or English Language, while 3,372 candidates did not sit for the examination.
Dr Clement Apaak, said the 35,382 candidates will be allowed to use the self-placement process, while the 3,372 who missed the exams will be allowed to rewrite them.
“Accordingly, candidates who obtain a score of 9 in either English Language or Mathematics or in both subjects will be allowed to access the self-placement system and select from schools and programmes with available vacancies,” he said.
He urged the affected candidates and their parents not to lose hope, assuring them that they would have an opportunity to continue their education through an appropriate pathway.
“The objective is to ensure that no young person is unnecessarily left behind whilst maintaining the integrity of the placement and examination systems,” he said.
He said the self-placement portal was already live and would provide an alternative pathway for candidates who were not automatically matched with their preferred school choices, including those seeking placement in highly subscribed institutions.
The Deputy Minister also announced the establishment of a Placement Resolution Centre in Accra, alongside regional placement resolution centres, to address genuine challenges arising from the placement exercise.
According to him, the centres would help reduce the cost, inconvenience and stress associated with travelling to Accra to resolve placement-related concerns.
‘Parents and candidates facing genuine placement challenges have been advised to first seek assistance from Ghana Education Service or Ghana TVET Service offices in their respective regions.
The Ministry has also activated dedicated call-centre lines to provide direct assistance to candidates and parents.
The contact numbers are 055 037 7388, 059 952 5926 and 059 844 5898”, the Deputy Minister announced.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
