The Ministry of Education has launched an urgent and comprehensive investigation into grave allegations of bribery and manipulation surrounding the ongoing school placement process. These serious claims have prompted the Education Minister to convene a high-level meeting with National Security, to which the matter has been formally referred for a full probe.

The investigation was triggered by reports quoting Joseph Azumah, the Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, who publicly alleged that one of his constituents paid a staggering GH¢30,000 to secure a school placement for their child. Mr. Azumah recounted that a resident had approached him for assistance with school admission and later returned with evidence of the GH¢30,000 payment. Similarly, equally troubling allegations were raised by Richard Asamoah Mensah, the Secretary of the Construction and Building Workers’ Union of the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

In a statement issued by the Ministry, the allegations were described as “grave,” with an emphatic reaffirmation of its commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness within the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). The Ministry stated firmly that “any individual found to have engaged in acts of bribery, extortion, or manipulation of the CSSPS will face the full rigours of the law.”

To aid the investigation and uncover the truth, the Ministry has urged Mr. Azumah, Mr. Mensah, and any other individuals with credible information or evidence to cooperate fully with National Security operatives. This collaborative effort is deemed vital to ensure accountability and to address any abuses within the system.

The Ministry reiterated its unwavering resolve to safeguard the integrity of the placement process, stressing that access to secondary education must remain free, fair, and merit-based for every Ghanaian child. It further assured the public and stakeholders that they will be kept duly informed as the investigation progresses, and that any persons found culpable will face the appropriate legal consequences.