Catholic Bishops demand independent audit of CSSPS • Minister pledges to set up Technical Working Committee

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference (GCBC) has called for an independent audit of the Senior High School (SHS) placement system, known as the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). Concerns over unfairness, lack of transparency, and claims of parents paying for school placements have prompted the Bishops to seek a technical review to restore confidence in the process.

GCBC President Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi stated that while the placement outcomes depend on factors like academic performance and programme choices, the process must be transparent, understandable, and demonstrably fair.

The GCBC expressed worry over allegations that some students were placed in unsuitable schools based on their sex, disability, circumstances, or location. They emphasized that students should not be sent to day schools far from home, making attendance unreasonable, costly, or unsafe. Additionally, they demanded clarity on the "protocol" admissions, including the legal basis, number of places, criteria, and responsible persons.

The Bishops also reaffirmed their 2025 decision that 20% of admissions to Catholic mission schools should be reserved for Catholic candidates, with these allocations to be transparent, administered through the appropriate Boards of Governors and diocesan education offices, and audited annually without any monetary exchange.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has welcomed the GCBC's call and announced plans to establish a Technical Working Committee after the current placement exercise. Minister Haruna Iddrisu assured parents that CSSPS placement remains free and urged anyone with credible evidence of officials or intermediaries demanding money to report such cases to law enforcement bodies, promising that identities would be protected.