Government Committed to Fair, Merit-Based School Placement System – Haruna Iddrisu

The Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana’s school placement system remains transparent, equitable and merit-based, stressing that every qualified student deserves equal access to quality secondary education.

The Minister gave the assurance when he appeared before Parliament to respond to questions on the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) and other matters relating to the education sector.

Addressing concerns about the placement process, Hon. Iddrisu explained that the Constitution guarantees every Ghanaian child the right to equal educational opportunities, adding that the CSSPS has been structured to promote fairness, transparency and wider access to quality education across the country.

He noted that the placement system continues to balance merit with equity, ensuring that students from different backgrounds have a fair opportunity to gain admission into senior high schools.

The Minister highlighted one of the government’s key equity measures under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, explaining that at least 30 percent of vacancies in Category “A” Senior High Schools are reserved for graduates from public basic schools. According to him, the policy is aimed at expanding opportunities for students from public schools to access some of the country’s most competitive and prestigious secondary institutions.

Providing an update on the 2025 CSSPS placement results, Hon. Iddrisu disclosed that 71,406 graduates from public basic schools secured admission into Category “A” Senior High Schools, representing 57.91 percent of all placements into those schools.

He noted that the figure significantly exceeds the government’s minimum policy target of 30 percent, describing it as evidence of the success of measures introduced to promote equitable access while maintaining academic merit.

According to the Minister, the results reflect the government’s determination to ensure that deserving students, regardless of their socio-economic background, have the opportunity to pursue quality secondary education.

Hon. Iddrisu further assured Parliament that the Ministry of Education will continue to strengthen the CSSPS to improve transparency, efficiency and public confidence in the placement process.

He also reaffirmed the government’s broader commitment to improving educational infrastructure, expanding access to quality learning facilities and implementing policies that foster equity, inclusion and excellence throughout Ghana’s education system.

The Minister emphasized that government remains focused on building an education system that guarantees equal opportunities for every child while supporting national development through quality and accessible education.

Author: Joyce Owusu
Credit: Parliament of Ghana