The Ministry of Education in Ghana has provided an update on the progress of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) for the 2025 academic year, highlighting the work of the Resolution Centre in addressing student placement challenges. The Centre, operational since September 18, 2025, has been instrumental in resolving issues faced by students and their families regarding school assignments. The Ministry’s statement, released on September 23, confirms the successful placement of a significant majority of qualified students, with over 564,000 out of 590,390 candidates already assigned to senior high schools and technical institutes across the country. The remaining cases are being actively addressed by the CSSPS Resolution Centre.
The CSSPS Resolution Centre has received a total of 1,358 cases since its opening, with the primary concerns revolving around requests for school changes and, to a lesser extent, changes in residential placement. The dominant issue, representing 76% of the total cases (approximately 1,100 requests), involves students seeking transfers from Category C and B schools to the more prestigious Category A institutions. A smaller percentage, 14%, are requests for transfers within the Category B schools, while 10% represent requests for movement within Category C schools. The Ministry emphasized the competitive nature of placements in Category A schools, underscoring that even high-achieving students may not secure their first-choice institution due to limited vacancies and high demand. Placement decisions are primarily driven by raw scores, available spaces in chosen schools, and the overall level of competition for those spaces.
Regarding residential placement changes, the Ministry stated that such requests are generally not granted. However, exceptions may be considered under specific circumstances, such as documented health conditions requiring proximity to specialized medical facilities or proven family relocations that necessitate a change in school assignment. This policy aims to maintain the integrity of the placement process and ensure equitable distribution of students across schools. The Ministry is committed to reviewing each case individually and making informed decisions based on the presented circumstances. They encourage applicants seeking residential changes to provide comprehensive documentation supporting their requests to facilitate a thorough and fair evaluation.
For students who were not automatically placed through the initial CSSPS process, the self-placement system offers an alternative route to securing a school placement. The Ministry reported a positive uptake of this system, with 70% of initially unplaced candidates successfully finding placements through this self-directed option. This mechanism provides a valuable second chance for students to secure a place in a senior high school or technical institute and continue their education. The Ministry encourages all remaining unplaced students to utilize the self-placement portal and explore the available options.
The Ministry’s statement also addressed requests for program changes, indicating that these cases are currently under review by the CSSPS Secretariat. This suggests a more complex process for program adjustments, likely involving considerations of subject combinations, prerequisites, and available capacity within specific programs. Further information on the resolution of these requests will be communicated as the Secretariat completes its review and makes decisions. This commitment to transparency aims to keep students and their families informed and manage expectations throughout the placement process.
In closing, the Ministry of Education reassured all stakeholders – parents, guardians, and students – that the CSSPS Secretariat remains committed to diligently addressing all outstanding concerns and ensuring a fair and equitable placement process for all qualified candidates. Beyond immediate placement challenges, the Ministry also confirmed that the data for re-entry students is currently being processed, indicating a comprehensive approach to accommodating diverse student needs and circumstances. This reassurance underscores the Ministry’s dedication to providing access to secondary education for all eligible students and facilitating a smooth transition into the new academic year. The ongoing efforts of the CSSPS Secretariat and the Resolution Centre aim to resolve all placement issues efficiently and ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue their chosen educational pathway.
