Probe CSSPS fraud: Group to EOCO, BNI

The Economics and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) must immediately investigate alleged bribery cases that have characterised the Computer School Selection Placement exercise, a group that calls itself Friends of the Free SHS, has said.

According to the group, there have been some alleged bribery cases involving officials in charge of the placement exercise, a situation they believe is making it difficult for some of the students to secure placement.

A statement released and signed by convener of the group, Kojo Ransford, on Wednesday, September 6 said: “Our checks have revealed that, some workers at the office of the Computer School Selection Placement System are demanding money from parents to change schools for their wards and they charge between Ghc 2,000 to Ghc 3,000. It is also alleged that some unscrupulous hands are manipulating the internet space to get the system jammed in order to get parents frustrated, thereby compelling them (parents) to use fraudulent means to get their wards admitted.

“The Government of Ghana under the leadership of H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo is making true his promise of introducing free senior high school this year and our group is solidly behind the government to make it a reality. Friends of the Free Senior High School, is by this statement, urging investigative bodies such as the Bureau of National Investigative (BNI), the Criminal Investigative Department (CID) and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to quickly move to the office of the Computer School Selection Placement System to investigate those allegations and punish those found culpable.”

It added: “We cannot let the Free SHS programme fail, and it is important that the security agencies move in quickly to halt the on-going alleged criminality and abuse of office. We also urge the National Communication Authority to expedite action in making sure that there is enough internet space to enable students have quick access their schools.

“We are also appealing to members of the Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS) not to use their allocated protocol to extort money from parents.”