Accra: The Reverend Michael Commey, the Accra Regional Coordinator for Free SHS, has affirmed the advancements in the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) since its inception in 2017. Despite recurring placement anomalies needing adjustments, Rev. Commey emphasized the system's effective operation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Rev. Commey shared his insights during a gathering at the GNAT Hall in Accra, where numerous parents and students had assembled to address their placement-related issues. He mentioned that the system has been functioning smoothly since 2017, and there are no significant challenges affecting its overall performance.
Rev. Commey did acknowledge the occasional placement of students in locations far from their communities, necessitating administrative intervention. He highlighted instances where students from Accra were placed as day students in schools in Tamale, which is impractical for daily commuting. The system, however, allows for such issues to be corrected.
In response to inquiries about whether the placement situation had improved, Rev. Commey confidently stated, "Yes, very improved." His remarks coincided with ongoing concerns from parents and students about distant placements, discrepancies between day and boarding arrangements, and assignments to schools not initially selected by students.
Parents expressed concerns over the logistical challenges and costs of daily transportation for their children due to the distances involved. They also questioned the practicality of day placements for younger students, particularly when the schools were located far from their residences.
Some students sought placement changes due to personal reasons, such as siblings being assigned to different schools. One student appealed to have both himself and his twin brother placed in the same school.
Meanwhile, officials at the resolution centre were actively addressing complaints, guiding affected students to choose three alternative schools for consideration. The high turnout at the centre led to long queues, with some parents planning to return the next day to resolve their issues.