Parliament Summons Education Minister Over School Placement Scandal

The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, is expected before parliament for questioning over a recent Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) scandal.

This was revealed by Deputy Ranking Member of the Education Committee in Parliament, Dr Clement Apaak, who said the legislature was interested in probing the bribery allegations.

“The committee wants to invite the minister to find out why the investigations were done, and at least the committee on education was never given any hint or inclination that an investigation on this matter was being conducted,” he said.

“Where is the report of the investigation? What are the recommendations? And who is being held accountable, and how can we ensure no one is going to manipulate the system?” he questioned.

A Fourth Estate documentary revealed that the CSSPS had been compromised with payment of huge monies to be placed into desired schools, especially grade A and B schools.

Even when not qualified, students who wish to be placed into their desired schools can secure the same by paying between 7,000 and 10,000 cedis to insiders.

Some have argued that the practice has been in the system for a very long time, only that it is now being revealed because the payments are becoming outrageous.

Dr Apaak said he’s not surprised as the documentary has confirmed rumours of corruption and bribery in the school placement system.

The Builsa South Member of Parliament (MP) mentioned that the committee would work to “ensure fairness” in the education system.

Dr Apaak expressed worry that the education system is being compromised like other institutions, citing the police service, immigration and the army.

He indicated that the education committee was not aware of the investigation.

He was worried that the outcome of the investigation indicated that the menace had been institutionalised.

Therefore, the office of the special prosecutor or the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) should take up the issue.