The Ministry of Education has launched an urgent investigation following viral social media claims suggesting that school placements under the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) system are being sold for as much as GHS15,000.
The controversy was sparked by a widely circulated post allegedly made by one Gertrude Adzo Borklo, who claimed that placement into the prestigious Aburi Girls’ Senior High School required a payment of GHS15,000.
The post has since ignited public concern and fueled allegations that the BECE Computerised School Placement System (CSSPS) is being manipulated by bribery and backdoor deals.
In a press statement released on Friday, September 26, the Ministry strongly refuted the claims, describing them as part of a “conspiratorial narrative” aimed at undermining public confidence in the transparency of the placement process.
Authorities confirmed that efforts to contact the original poster have been unsuccessful, as her social media account was deactivated shortly after the allegations surfaced.
The Ministry also reported that similar claims are being shared by other users through anonymous or “ghost” accounts. In response, it has begun working in collaboration with the National Security Secretariat, the Cyber Security Authority, and other relevant agencies to trace the origins of the posts and investigate those responsible.
“The BECE Computerised School Placement System is entirely free of charge. At no point is payment required to access this service,” the statement emphasised.
The Ministry is urging the public to assist in identifying any individuals, whether within the Ministry or outside it, who may be soliciting bribes for school placements. Officials assure the public of swift and decisive action against anyone found to be involved in such practices.
Hotlines have been set up for citizens to report bribery or suspicious activities related to school placements:
054 154 8223 (for voice calls)
024 490 8957 (for WhatsApp messages)
Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, who signed the release, called on Ghanaians to join the Ministry in “safeguarding the integrity and transparency of Ghana’s school placement system.”
As investigations continue, the Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and merit-based placement process for all students transitioning to senior high schools.
Source:Lovinghananews.com
