The Ghana Education Service (GES) has urged parents and guardians to accept the schools assigned to their children under the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) and focus on adequately preparing them for the reopening of Senior High Schools scheduled between October 18 and 20.
Deputy Director-General of GES in charge of Quality and Access, Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, said that with most candidates already placed, parents must come to terms with the realities of limited vacancies and stop holding out for unlikely changes.
“As we speak, between 95 to 99% of those placed are not satisfied with one condition or the other. As we approach the 15th, they will convince themselves that an opening that is for 76,000 people cannot take 340,000. The reality will dawn to pick what is available”
Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director-General of GES in charge of Quality and Access
He noted that while the system allows for self-placement and limited adjustments, the demand for certain schools far outweighs the available spaces. He therefore advised parents to channel their energy toward ensuring their wards are ready for school instead of pursuing changes that may not materialise.
“Prepare your child. If by today, tomorrow or the next day you realise that what change you want is not coming, you just have to understand that your child’s place is where he or she is. You prepare your prospectus so that on Sunday you send the child to the school to ensure that they’re able to join their colleagues”
Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director-General of GES in charge of Quality and Access
Dr. Issahaque explained that the GES is working to ensure a smooth start to the 2025/2026 academic year under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, which continues to prioritise equitable access to education.
He said the service’s immediate focus is to guarantee that students report to their respective schools on time and settle into their academic environments. He emphasised that the placement process is already in its final stages, with most candidates successfully placed across the country.
According to him, the placement exercise is data-driven and fair, with each candidate assigned a school based on merit, choice, and available capacity.
The Deputy Director-General reiterated that the government’s flagship free Senior High School programme remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s education policy, but called for parental understanding to ensure its smooth execution.
Fraudulent Placement Deals
Dr. Issahaque also issued a strong warning to parents against paying individuals who claim they can manipulate the placement system. He described such offers as fraudulent and said GES will not hesitate to act against anyone found engaging in these illegal practices.
“They are so desperate and they are willing to pay – but if anyone has one person that you know has taken money from you, I am here, you can let me know that person. I am available and we’ll talk to the person”
Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director-General of GES in charge of Quality and Access
He encouraged parents to report suspected fraudsters directly to the GES, assuring that the Service has measures in place to investigate and address such complaints.
He reminded that preparations are on track for the nationwide reopening of schools as the Service has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring transparency in the placement process and emphasised that no qualified candidate will be left without a school.
According to the GES, the CSSPS has been designed to operate on merit and fairness, ensuring that each student’s placement corresponds to their performance and available capacity. The Service reiterated that every effort has been made to accommodate as many students as possible within the limits of existing infrastructure.
Dr. Issahaque said GES’ focus now is on helping schools, teachers, and parents prepare adequately for the resumption of classes, ensuring that students begin their academic journey without delay, assuring parents that logistics and academic materials are being finalised ahead of reopening. He urged continued cooperation from all stakeholders.
“We understand the emotions involved in school placement, but our appeal to parents is to trust the system, prepare their wards, and work with the timelines provided”
Dr. Munawaru Issahaque, Deputy Director-General of GES in charge of Quality and Access
As Ghana’s education system continues to evolve, Dr. Issahaque said collaboration between parents, students, and administrators remains crucial to maintaining fairness, discipline, and stability within the national placement framework.
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