Education Ministry Orders Urgent Probe into Alleged Bribery in School Placement Process

The Ministry of Education has initiated an urgent investigation into allegations of bribery and manipulation in the ongoing school placement process following recent claims made by Akrofuom Member of Parliament, Hon. Joseph Azumah, and the Secretary of the Construction and Building Workers’ Union of the Ghana Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Richard Asamoah Mensah.

Hon. Azumah, in a media report, alleged that an individual approached him for assistance with school placement and later returned with evidence of having paid GH₵30,000 to secure admission for a ward. The revelation has sparked widespread public concern about possible corruption within the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

In response, the Ministry said it is taking the matter “with utmost seriousness and concern.” A statement signed by Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, said the Honourable Minister has convened a meeting with National Security and formally referred the allegations for urgent and thorough investigation.

“The Ministry of Education is fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness in the school placement process. Any individual found to have engaged in acts of bribery, extortion, or manipulation of the CSSPS will face the full rigours of the law,” the statement said.

The Ministry also urged Hon. Azumah, Mr. Mensah, and any other persons with credible information or evidence to cooperate with National Security to assist in uncovering the truth.

According to Dr. Apaak, this collaboration will be crucial to ensuring accountability and preserving public confidence in the placement system.

He further assured the public that the Ministry remains resolute in protecting the integrity of the placement process and ensuring that access to secondary education remains free, fair, and merit-based for every Ghanaian child.

The Ministry has pledged to provide updates on the outcome of the investigations in due course.