‘I was ready to pay GH¢10,000’ – Parent recounts struggle to secure SHS placement for daughter

A parent whose daughter remains without a Senior High School (SHS) placement has recounted his struggle with the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) process, which pushed him to consider paying GH¢10,000 for his daughter's admission. The driver, whose daughter scored an aggregate 9 in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), said she was still unplaced as of Friday.

He initially received an offer from Presby Girls’ Senior High School but her daughter did not wish to attend, leading him to look for an alternative. The preferred school was also unavailable, prompting him to seek assistance, with an alleged offer of GH¢10,000 to secure the placement. However, he was asked to pay GH¢15,000 instead.

The parent arrived at the KTI Hall resolution centre at around 4:23 a.m., placing him 206th in the queue, highlighting the pressure faced by parents in resolving placement issues. Allegedly, someone at the centre inquired about his political affiliation, suggesting that an NDC card could aid his request. The parent declined to engage in politics, emphasizing his sole focus on securing a school for his daughter.

The situation is part of a broader complaint from parents at the KTI Hall resolution centre, where many children are left unplaced or assigned to schools they did not select. Parents are urging the Ghana Education Service (GES) and others responsible for the process to expedite the resolution and improve communication to reduce long waiting times and repeated visits.

The uncertainty over school placements for their children is causing growing anxiety among the parents.