The Ministry of Education has revealed that 30% of all placements in Category A schools have been reserved for candidates who attended public schools.

This will bring about equity in the placement of candidates in schools across the country.

The revelation comes in the wake of complaints from some parents and students about the self-placement of some 16 thousand students who are yet to be placed in any senior high school.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, the Deputy Public Relations Officer, Ernest Akosah, explained that learning facilities in public schools are not adequate compared to those in private institutions.

“We have what we call 30% equity quota that we give to those who attended public schools because, if you look at the infrastructure and logistics in the government schools, we try to also create that enabling environment so that they can also have the opportunity to taste what is happening at Legon PreSec, Achimota …” he told Roselyn Felli.

According to Mr. Akosah, some students choose Category B schools out of fear that they may not get into any Category A schools.

As to whether the students are placed based on their school selection or grades, he said, “We look at the aggregate, raw score, and available vacancies.”

He further disclosed that students who have been enrolled in their non-preferred schools are permitted to make changes as early as possible, provided there is a vacancy.

Out of 547,324 candidates who participated in this year’s BECE exam, 539,399 have qualified for placement in their preferred choices; 372,780 were automatically placed, while 165,601 were not, requiring them to go in for self-placement.

The PRO stated that the failure of students to be placed in their selected schools is due to the inability of parents to assist during the selection period.

The 165,601 non-placed students are urged to move to the nearest café within their area, login to the website www.cssps.gh.com, and follow the procedure to select their preferred schools. “About 901 schools are available for placement,” he said.

Meanwhile, students are encouraged to select Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools.