The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has said that the government is preparing to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) and locally developed software to improve the Senior High School (SHS) placement system and address challenges associated with the annual placement exercise.
The Minister said the use of technology would help improve the efficiency and delivery of the placement process, while reducing inconsistencies that have led to concerns among parents and students.
Speaking on the placement exercise on September 11, the Minister acknowledged that there had been instances of students being placed in schools other than those expected by their families.
“There is a mix in the placement of the students, and we need to look at the results carefully to understand what is happening and how we can improve the system,” the Minister said.
He said the Ministry would organise a conclave involving headmasters to review the outcomes of the placement exercise and identify areas that require attention.
The Minister also clarified that he does not personally have access to manipulate or determine the placement of individual students.
“I have no access to the placement system to determine where an individual student should be placed,” he said.
Warning Against Sale of School Placements
The Minister issued a strong warning to individuals who allegedly demand money from parents in exchange for securing placements in preferred schools.
He urged parents and members of the public who have evidence of such activities to report them to the Ministry of Education or the police.
“If there is any evidence of people selling placement, share it with the Ministry of Education or the police. We will deal ruthlessly with them through the courts,” he said.
He further urged parents not to encourage the practice by paying intermediaries who claim to have the ability to influence the placement process.
“Parents should not condone this. We must all work together to protect the integrity of the placement system,” the Minister added.
Teacher Recruitment
On teacher recruitment, the minister said the government was working to address recruitment needs involving teacher trainees from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts.
He announced that the recruitment portal was expected to open in November, with the immediate focus on the 2024 cohort before attention is shifted to the 2025 group.
“The portal will open in November. We are focusing on the 2024 cohort, and subsequently we will move to the 2025 recruitment,” the minister said.
He also indicated that persons with disabilities would be given consideration in the recruitment process.
Agriculture and Engineering Programmes
The minister further announced plans for agriculture and engineering programmes to commence this year.
He said the government was working to secure the necessary financial clearance to enable the university to begin operations and provide the required academic programmes.
“Agriculture and engineering are expected to take off this year. We are working on the financial clearance necessary for the commencement of the university,” he said.
Call for Support for Education Infrastructure
The Minister also appealed to traditional rulers and other stakeholders to support government efforts to address infrastructure deficits in the education sector.
He particularly highlighted the shortage of library facilities, noting that some communities continue to lack essential learning infrastructure.
“Traditional rulers have a role to play in supporting education infrastructure. Sunyani, for instance, has no library, and this is an area where we need assistance,” he said.
The Minister said improving infrastructure was critical to creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, particularly as government works to expand access to quality education.
Two Per Cent Set Aside for Emergencies
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry of Education sets aside approximately two per cent of its resources annually to respond to emergency.
By Daniel Opoku
