The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference is calling for a full review of the senior high school placement system and transparency over alleged protocol admissions into top schools.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 14, 2026, the Bishops asked government to disclose the legal basis for any discretionary admissions, the number of slots involved, the criteria used and persons responsible.
According to them, growing public concerns around the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) risk undermining confidence in the fairness of the process.
“We are especially troubled by allegations that parents are asked to pay money to secure places for their children,” the Conference said. “If placement is meant to be free, no official, agent, or intermediary should request or accept payment for it.”
The Bishops called for such claims to be investigated, with culprits facing disciplinary action and where necessary, criminal prosecution. They, however cautioned against unproven allegations that could damage the reputation of honest public servants.
“If places in sought-after schools are set aside through discretionary arrangements, the public deserves to know their legal basis, the number of places involved, the criteria applied, and who is responsible,” they stressed.
They said the system must not create the impression that money, connections or influence can secure opportunities unavailable to other qualified students.
The Conference noted that 604,567 candidates qualified for placement this year, with 527,932 placed when results were released, and acknowledged that placement depends on academic performance, programme choice, boarding or day preference and available spaces.
It, however, said outcomes must be understandable and demonstrably fair. The Bishops also raised concern over reports of students being placed in schools unsuitable for their sex, disability or location, and called for genuine errors to be corrected promptly through accessible channels, with priority for cases involving disability, medical needs and long distances.
They further called for an independent technical review of the placement system with key findings made public, and a stronger appeals process with clear procedures and timelines.
Beyond the placement issues, the Conference renewed its call for government to conclude the long-awaited agreement with Churches on the management of mission schools.
It also reaffirmed its decision to reserve 20 per cent of admissions in Catholic mission schools for Catholic candidates and said it has instructed the National Catholic Secretariat’s Education Office to prepare a clear plan for implementation.
The Bishops said any such arrangement must be transparent, subject to annual audit and must strictly prohibit the exchange of money. “The ultimate goal should be a placement system where merit, choice, fairness, and above all the good of the child determine who is admitted where,” they said.
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