CSSPS challenges: Let’s explain the situation in polite and respectful manner – Veep tells MoE staff.

CSSPS challenges: Let’s explain the situation in polite and respectful manner – Veep tells MoE staff.

The Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has urged Ministry of Education staff to engage with parents and students affected by the ongoing Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) issues with patience, understanding, and respect. 

Her appeal comes as some students remain without placement, prompting concerns and frustrations among guardians.

During a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Accra, the Vice President emphasized the importance of clear and courteous communication. “I know you’re dealing with many people besieging the office over school placement issues. Let’s try to explain the situation in a polite and respectful manner,” she said.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding top-tier educational opportunities, noting, “What we are trying to do is to create more Category A schools. One of my regrets is that this wasn’t implemented after I left office. We want to build a better system with more top-tier schools.”

The visit also provided an opportunity for the Vice President to familiarize herself with the Ministry’s operations and express support for the sector during this critical period.

Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, commended the Vice President’s leadership and reiterated plans to establish a public university in the Bono Region to broaden access to tertiary education. He also raised concerns about rising indiscipline in schools, citing incidents involving weapons such as machetes and guns.

“We’re concerned about indiscipline in our schools. We’ve seen a worrying trend of students carrying machetes, guns, and other weapons,” Minister Iddrisu said. He called for the National Security and Intelligence Agency (NASIA) to conduct randomized checks to help curb these risks.

The Minister further highlighted the importance of sustaining the government’s “No Fees Stress” policy, acknowledging its positive impact on education access. The Vice President assured that the government remains committed to the policy and is exploring strategies for its long-term sustainability. “In terms of funding, we’ve never had enough, whether we’re setting up a fund or not, it still comes from the same pot. We may need to find ways to expand that pot, and that’s where sustainability becomes crucial,” she explained.

On the issue of school violence, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized a collective responsibility to promote discipline. “Why would a student carry a gun or a cutlass to school? We must all take responsibility for promoting discipline, in our homes, in our schools, and in our communities,” she stated.

The Vice President’s visit underscores the government’s renewed commitment to addressing challenges in the education sector and ensuring quality, accessible, and equitable education for all students.