Free SHS Placement Portal Now Open for Self-Selection
The Ministry of Education has successfully placed over 483,800 candidates from the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in senior high schools (SHSs), senior high technical schools (SHTS), and technical and vocational institutions (TVIs). This crucial step represents 82% of the total 590,309 students eligible for placement. Therefore, many students can now plan for their next academic phase. Notably, females comprise a majority of the students placed in schools, with 248,038 girls securing spots, representing 51.4% of the total.
However, the placement process did not automatically match 107,509 students, about 18.2% of all qualified candidates, to their chosen schools. Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, explained the reason for this development at a press conference in Accra yesterday. According to him, high demand for certain popular Category A schools caused the issue. To address this challenge immediately, the Ministry activated its self-placement portal. This system allows all qualified candidates who did not receive an automatic posting to log in and select from schools with available vacancies.
Furthermore, the Free SHS Programme is now piloting 70 private SHSs. These schools are accessible on the portal. In addition, this initiative expands opportunities for students. The government will provide financial support to the participating private schools. This support is equivalent to the fees public institutions charge. Meanwhile, the placement program covers 724 public SHSs and SHTS, along with 233 technical and vocational institutions. These multiple options give students more opportunities.
In addition to the online portal, Dr. Apaak announced that the Ministry has established resolution centers. These centers are available at the district, regional, and national levels. The GNAT Hall in Accra serves as the national hub. This measure aims to ease stress on parents and guardians. Despite this support, Dr. Apaak cautioned parents against paying money to anyone for placement. The deputy minister stated emphatically, “Let me take this opportunity to strongly reiterate that placement is absolutely free.” He also advised people to report anyone soliciting payment to the nearest police station or the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
The placement system offers students a clear path to continue their education, whether through automatic posting or the self-placement portal. Students placed in schools and their families can now move forward. In conclusion, Dr. Apaak urged parents, teachers, and communities to support students. He emphasized that the placement exercise should contribute to their success and Ghana’s progress. A total of 603,328 candidates wrote this year’s BECE. WAEC released results for most students. However, the council cancelled or withheld results for some candidates due to malpractice.
Source: Daily Graphic Newspaper
