The Ministry of Education has referred recent allegations of bribery in the ongoing school placement process to National Security for urgent and thorough investigation.

This follows growing public concern over alleged manipulation of the system.

This move comes in response to media reports quoting Joseph Azumah, Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, who claimed that a constituent had paid GH¢30,000 to secure a school placement for their child.

“Someone who knew I was an MP came to me at Community 16, where I live, and asked me to help their child gain admission to a certain school. Within a week, the person came back with evidence showing that they had paid GH¢30,000 to secure the placement. Why are we doing this to ourselves?” the MP is reported to have said.

The Ministry has described the claims along with similar allegations made by Mr Richard Asamoah Mensah, Secretary of the Construction and Building Workers’ Union of the Ghana TUC as grave and deeply concerning.

In light of the seriousness of the accusations, the Minister for Education has convened a high-level meeting with National Security, and formally referred the matter for investigation.

Authorities are now expected to probe both the individual claims and broader concerns about potential abuse of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).

“The Ministry views these allegations with the utmost seriousness and concern,” the statement read. “Any individual found to have engaged in acts of bribery, extortion, or manipulation of the CSSPS will face the full rigours of the law.”

The Ministry has urged Mr Azumah, Mr Asamoah Mensah, and any other persons with credible information or evidence to fully cooperate with National Security operatives to assist with the investigations.

“This collaborative effort is essential to uncover the truth and ensure accountability,” the Ministry noted.

Reaffirming its commitment to upholding integrity, transparency, and fairness, the Ministry stressed that access to secondary education must remain merit-based and free from undue influence.

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“The Ministry remains resolute in safeguarding the integrity of the placement process and in ensuring that access to secondary education remains free, fair, and merit-based for every Ghanaian child,” the statement concluded.

The Ministry has also assured the general public that it will keep stakeholders informed as investigations progress and that any culprits found will be dealt with in accordance with the law.