Former Director‑General of the Ghana Education Service, Charles Aheto Tsegah, has publicly criticised the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), arguing that it has failed to address the core challenges that have historically plagued the placement of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) graduates into senior high schools (SHS), technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
Aheto Tsegah explained that the CSSPS was introduced mainly to tackle concerns about the manual placement system, including allegations of corruption, favouritism and undue influence by headteachers. He said the computerised system, however, has not delivered on its promised objectives, especially in resolving the key difficulties associated with placing students in second‑cycle institutions.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, September 12, Aheto Tsegah said the intention behind the CSSPS was to remove excessive discretion from headteachers and replace it with a fairer, more transparent placement process driven by algorithms. He recalled that before the system’s introduction, there was widespread suspicion that headteachers were involved in corrupt practices, prompting the shift to a computerised approach.
“Unfortunately, we have failed,” he said. “If we cannot address the key challenge that inspired us to bring in the CSSPS, we have failed and we better go back and give it to the headteachers.”
The former GES chief has called for a reassessment of the placement system, urging authorities to reconsider giving the authority back to the headteachers who have traditionally overseen student placement.
