Education

Frustration mounts as BECE graduates struggle for SHS placement at GNAT hall

By appiahkubi

Copyright ahotoronline

Frustration mounts as BECE graduates struggle for SHS placement at GNAT hall

Thousands of anxious parents and students have flocked to the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Hall in Accra, converted into a resolution centre following the release of the 2025 Senior High School (SHS) placement results.
The rush comes after news that 107,509 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates—about 18.2% of those who qualified—were not automatically placed in any of their selected schools.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) announced the placement results on Wednesday, September 17, with October 18 set as the official reporting date for new students.
While many families initially welcomed the news, frustration quickly set in as long queues formed at GNAT Hall, with parents seeking to correct errors or change placements.
“I came here to change the school the system gave my son,” said Daniel Lartey, one of the many parents in line. “The queues are overwhelming, and we just want him in a day school closer to home.”
Some parents, speaking to Ahotor News’ Tracy Akosua Agyapomaa, accused staff at the resolution centre of soliciting bribes rather than ensuring a transparent and fair process.
This year, 603,328 candidates sat for the BECE, with 590,309 qualifying for placement. Of those, 483,800 were successfully matched to schools through the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), representing 82% of qualified candidates. Out of those placed, 248,038 are female.
The 107,509 students who missed automatic placement have been directed to use the self-placement portal. However, at GNAT Hall, frustrations include students being assigned to schools for the wrong gender, placed in programmes they did not select, or not securing schools at all.
Deputy Education Minister Dr. Clement Apaak, who visited the centre, acknowledged the challenges but urged parents to remain calm.
“Not every student will get their first choice, especially the top-tier schools. But there are equally good options available, and our teams are here to help resolve concerns before the reporting date,” he said.
The Ministry of Education has also warned parents against paying third parties who claim they can secure placements, emphasizing that the process is free.
With queues still growing at GNAT Hall, the coming weeks will be critical in ensuring that all students are placed before the October 18 deadline.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi