Education Minister Orders Probe Into Alleged Bribery in SHS Placement Process

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has ordered an immediate investigation into alleged bribery incidents linked to the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) following recent media reports.

The directive comes after the Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, Joseph Azumah, alleged that a parent paid GH¢30,000 to secure their child’s placement in a senior high school.

“Someone who knew I was an MP came to me at Community 16, where I live, and asked me to help their child gain admission to a certain school. Within a week, the person came back with evidence showing that they had paid GH¢30,000 to secure the placement. Why are we doing this to ourselves?” Mr. Azumah reportedly said.

The Ministry of Education described the allegations as serious and troubling, noting that integrity and fairness remain the foundation of the school placement system.

In response, the Minister has:

• Convened a meeting with National Security, and
• Formally referred the matter for urgent and thorough investigation.

A spokesperson for the Ministry stated,

“We are deeply troubled by these allegations and are taking immediate steps to establish the facts. Integrity and fairness are the bedrock of the school placement system, and we will not tolerate any form of manipulation or corruption.”

The Ministry also assured the public of its commitment to transparency, accountability, and merit-based placement, warning that anyone found guilty of bribery, extortion, or interference will face the full rigours of the law.

It further urged Mr. Joseph Azumah, Mr. Richard Asamoah Mensah of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and any other individuals with credible evidence to cooperate with National Security in the ongoing investigations.

“Ensuring a just and fair placement process is in the national interest. We encourage anyone with information to come forward,” the statement concluded.

The Ministry reaffirmed that it remains resolute in safeguarding the integrity of the school placement system to ensure equal educational opportunity for all Ghanaian children — based on merit, not money or influence.