Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a comprehensive review of Ghana’s Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to address widespread concerns about fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the placement of students into second-cycle institutions.
The Minister made this disclosure during a visit to the Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, as part of his familiarization tour of schools at the start of the new academic year.
He was accompanied by the Headmaster of PRESEC, Mr. David Odjija, and Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarpong, Board Chairman of the PRESEC Old Students Association.
Speaking during his visit, the Minister said his presence at the school, which he described as one of Ghana’s most reputable and high-performing Category A institutions, was to personally observe the first-day experience of newly admitted students and to better understand the conditions under which they and their teachers operate.
“I am supported by the Headmaster and Board Chair to welcome newcomers or new learners. We call it my first day in school, even as they are adolescents or adults, more adolescents in their younger ages.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
The Minister expressed deep concern over growing dissatisfaction among parents and students regarding the CSSPS. He noted that the system, which was designed to ensure merit-based and transparent placement, has in recent years faced challenges that have undermined public confidence.
“I have observed that some parents are unhappy, justified. Some students are unhappy — justified — because they chose a particular course, science, and were given General Arts or Business. That would be a disincentive even for that child to stay in school”.
Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
He disclosed that a committee has been established to review the CSSPS’s performance over the past decade and to propose credible reforms.
“What we need is meritorious admission. Nobody would accept that you get an aggregate 6, and you can’t get the school of your first choice. What can explain that? It cannot be explained because that candidate has been pushed away by protocol. That’s unfair, and we’ll look into that very closely.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
Major Infrastructure Boost
In addition to the review, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu outlined a strategic plan to upgrade infrastructure across senior high schools. He announced that the government, beginning in 2026, will embark on a targeted initiative to elevate the status and facilities of selected schools.
“Government will deliberately, in the coming years, particularly in 2026, work to upgrade 10 Category C schools to B schools and 10 Category B schools to A schools.
“Then I’ll pick a special 10 Category A with PRESEC-Legon as number one, and we will give you the needed intervention by way of improved infrastructure in the classroom, laboratories, and dormitories so that you continue to make these young people and parents happy.
Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu emphasized that the nation’s commitment to the future of its youth must be reflected in deliberate and sustained investments in education.
“We all say every day that the future belongs to the youth. Their future will only belong to them if we adequately prepare them for it — and to do so is to support them with education, quality education.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
He commended PRESEC for its focus on science education, describing it as essential to equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in the modern world.
During his tour of the school’s facilities, the Minister highlighted the urgent need for expanded infrastructure to ensure the effective delivery of free quality senior high school education.
“My understanding as I’ve gone around this morning is that we need to manage the crisis in the provision of quality free senior high school education in Ghana, and to manage it will mean deliberate sustainable investment in education — expanded classrooms, expanded laboratories, and expanded dormitories for the learners”.
Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
The Role of Key Stakeholders
Hon. Haruna Iddrisu also praised the active role of old students and the Presbyterian Church in supporting the development of the institution, acknowledging the enduring partnership between the church and the state in the provision of quality education.
“I recognize a strong bond and relationship between the church and the state in providing quality education, and for our purposes today, the Presbyterian Church — I want to salute them and pay tribute to them. From Odumase-Krobo to Accra, PRESEC-Legon has trained many young people who are proud alumni of this great school.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu
The Education Minister concluded his visit by reiterating the government’s resolve to make education the cornerstone of Ghana’s development.
“Every parent wants the best for their child, and we should be encouraging and supporting the institutions to do just that,” he said, extending gratitude to the school’s leadership and old students for their commitment to maintaining high academic standards.
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