A Senior Lecturer at the Accra Technical University Business School, Dr Daniel Osabutey, has described the government’s proposed changes to the school placement system as a step toward fairness, but cautioned that implementation challenges could affect its success.
The new policy, announced by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, will require candidates of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to select their preferred senior high schools only after their results are released.
Dr. Osabutey noted that the reform addresses long-standing issues where students previously chose schools without knowing their performance, often resulting in unrealistic selections and placement disputes. Allowing candidates to make choices based on actual results, he said, could improve satisfaction and transparency in the system.
However, he warned that the one-week window given to students to make their selections could create pressure, particularly for those in rural areas with limited access to internet services and guidance.
He also raised concerns that the new system could intensify competition for top schools, as high-performing students may cluster around the same institutions, potentially leaving many qualified candidates without placement in their preferred choices.
Dr. Osabutey therefore called for strong public education and support systems, urging the Ghana Education Service to deploy guidance counsellors and teachers immediately after results are released to assist students in making informed decisions.
He further emphasised the need to strengthen digital infrastructure to ensure all candidates, regardless of location, have equal opportunity to participate effectively in the new process.
