Editorial
Address challenges of school placement
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw attention to the challenges many parents and students face during the Senior High School (SHS) placement process in Ghana.
The Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) was introduced to make the placement process fair, transparent and efficient. However, every year, concerns continue to emerge over school placement, particularly regarding students being placed in schools far from their homes, difficulty in changing placements and challenges associated with the self-placement process.
For some parents, securing a suitable school for their children becomes stressful and expensive. Students who are not placed in their preferred schools may also become discouraged, especially when they believe they have obtained the required grades to qualify for their choices.
Another concern is the pressure on parents to secure accommodation and other necessities within a short period after placement. Parents who cannot afford additional expenses may struggle to meet these demands.
I believe the authorities should continue to improve the placement system by making the process more transparent and user-friendly.
There should also be effective channels through which parents and students can promptly resolve genuine placement concerns without unnecessary delays.
The authorities should consider reviewing the school selection and placement arrangements to ensure that students are placed as close as reasonably possible to their preferred schools, based on merit, available spaces and other relevant considerations.
Education is a fundamental investment in the future of the country. Therefore, the placement process should not become a source of unnecessary stress for students and their parents.
I hope the relevant authorities will take these concerns seriously and work towards a more efficient, transparent and student-friendly placement system.
From Eugene Ampiaw,
Swedru
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the poor state of the railway crossing area of the Neoplan Station, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, which is increasingly disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
The damaged section of the road has become a major inconvenience to motorists, as vehicles are forced to slow down considerably when approaching the crossing to avoid damaging their tyres, wheels and suspension systems.
This situation causes unnecessary delays, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high.
The crossing is an important route for commuters and commercial drivers who use the Circle area to connect to other parts of the capital.
The deteriorating road surface therefore affects not only individual motorists but also the general movement of vehicles through this busy transport hub.
Beyond the inconvenience, the situation could increase the risk of minor accidents as drivers brake suddenly or attempt to manoeuvre around damaged portions of the road.
I respectfully appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant agencies to inspect the affected section and undertake urgent repairs to restore the smooth movement of traffic.
Timely intervention will reduce delays, improve road safety and make commuting through the Circle area more convenient.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the increasing cost of hostel accommodation, particularly for students in tertiary institutions.
The high cost of hostels has become a serious challenge for many students and their parents.
In some areas, hostel fees have increased significantly, making it difficult for students from low- and middle-income families to secure decent accommodation.
Apart from the hostel fees, students also have to pay for transportation, food, learning materials and other academic needs.
The rising cost of accommodation therefore puts additional financial pressure on families and, in some cases, forces students to live in overcrowded or poorly maintained facilities.
I believe hostel owners and relevant authorities must work together to ensure that accommodation remains affordable while maintaining acceptable standards.
Tertiary institutions should also consider expanding student accommodation and encouraging affordable private hostel projects.
The government and local authorities could further support the development of low-cost student accommodation through appropriate policies and incentives.
I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to treat the issue as a matter of urgency.
Affordable and decent accommodation is essential to creating a conducive environment for students to study and succeed.
This has in a way also empowered the private people in the accommodation sector to take undue advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant rates for their services.
Kwame Ampiaw,
Accra
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