The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans by the government to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) and locally developed software to improve Ghana’s Senior High School (SHS) placement system.
According to the Minister, the adoption of new technologies is expected to make the placement exercise more efficient and minimise inconsistencies that have raised concerns among parents and students over the years.
Speaking on the 2026 placement exercise on September 11, Haruna Iddrisu acknowledged that some students had been placed in schools that were different from the choices 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 disclosed that the Ministry would convene a meeting involving headmasters to assess the outcome of the exercise and identify weaknesses that need to be addressed.
The Minister also rejected suggestions that he personally has the ability to influence 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 Selling School Placements
Haruna Iddrisu has cautioned individuals who allegedly collect money from parents under the pretext of securing placements for students in their preferred schools.
He urged anyone with evidence of such activities to report the matter to the Ministry of Education or the police for investigation and prosecution.
“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 also advised parents against paying intermediaries who claim they can manipulate the placement system.
“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 taking steps to address the recruitment needs of teacher trainees from the 2023 and 2024 cohorts.
He said the recruitment portal is expected to open in November, with priority initially being given to the 2024 cohort before the process moves on 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 added that persons with disabilities would also be considered during the recruitment exercise.
Agriculture and Engineering Programmes
The Minister further announced that agriculture and engineering programmes are expected to begin this year.
He explained that government is working to secure the necessary financial clearance to allow the university to commence operations and offer the planned 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
Haruna Iddrisu also called on traditional rulers and other stakeholders to support efforts to improve infrastructure in the education sector.
He identified the lack of library facilities in some communities as a major concern, noting that several areas still do not have adequate 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 stressed that improving educational infrastructure is essential to providing a suitable environment for teaching and learning, particularly as the government seeks to expand access to quality education.
Two Per Cent Reserved for Emergencies
The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry of Education allocates approximately two per cent of its resources each year to deal with emergencies within the education sector.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar