Scores of parents and guardians, whose wards have issues with their Senior High School (SHS) placement, have thronged the placement centres in Accra and Kumasi, hoping to get them resolved.

Schools reopened on Monday, December 4, for first year SHS students, amidst protests by sections of the public and parliament, who insisted that the process has been rushed, especially since results were released only a week ago, and therefore deprived parents and guardians adequate room for preparation.

The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service have in response however, explained that parents at all times were aware of the reopening date and were therefore expecting to enrol their wards, dismissing the claims of a rushed process.

Some of the parents who spoke with JoyNews on Wednesday complained about the long distance of the schools assigned to their wards, while other students were not assigned schools at all and were to resort to the self-placement option.

At the GNAT Hall in Accra, a parent said he was at the solution centre because the school offered his daughter was too far away, and was there hoping for a change.

“I am just here to change schools for my daughter. Her aggregate was 34 and she got Oti but the place is too far. I want her to remain in Accra even if it will be outside, at least Ada is close,” he said.

When asked about whether she would get a school of her choice with an aggregate of 34,  the parent vehemently said he was sure, as people with an aggregate of 40 were able to secure a school.

Another parent said although the ward had been offered a school, it was far from where he lived. He explained that considering his own age as a pensioner, it would be very challenging for him to travel far; therefore, he was hoping it could be changed.

“He got it but it is far from where I stay. I am in Kasoa and the school is in Dunkwa-Offin, it is far from my place. I am a pensioner, how can I take my child from Kasoa far to Dunkwan-Offin? I can’t go and visit him that is why I am here. I want to select the school which would be near me so I can go and visit him," he added.

The situation was no different in Kumasi. Some parents bemoaned the slow pace at which the placement process was moving.

A parent visibly frustrated by the process, said it is not normal and is not smooth as expected because they were there yesterday, and had to return today.

“I am from Manso–Kumpese and my child had admission at Abofo and was placed as a day student. How can a student from Kumpese go to Abofo as a day student, that is the problem. Since morning we have not been attended to and there has been no communication between us [parents] and the officials," he added.