Matthew Nyaaba, a PhD candidate in teacher education and elementary education at the University of Georgia, has cautioned that the government’s decision to allow Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates to select their preferred senior high schools after their results are released may create significant challenges.
He argued that, if not implemented effectively, the policy could create more bottlenecks, increase disparity between schools, and exacerbate the very problems the current system aims to solve.
During an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the educationist described the move as a short-term measure rather than an ideal long-term solution.
While admitting that the previous selection system had its flaws, he noted that it required students to choose their schools before sitting for the exams.
“Under that model, many candidates selected schools without a clear understanding of their academic standing, often choosing institutions beyond their performance levels or simply following their friends’ choices. This often resulted in grades that were insufficient for admission into their preferred schools.”
However, Mr Nyaaba noted that the previous system encouraged parity across secondary schools.
His comments follow the unveiling of the new policy by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
The minister explained that the reform, which is part of a broader overhaul of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), introduces a mandatory one-week window after the release of results for candidates to finalise their choices based on their actual aggregates.
Although he acknowledged that the new system has both potential benefits and drawbacks, Mr Nyaaba stressed that the negatives might eventually undermine the positives.
He observed that developed nations such as the UK, Singapore, and Japan continue to utilise the traditional selection model that Ghana is now moving away from.
He further emphasised that parents and teachers must collaborate to help candidates select schools that align with their specific strengths, weaknesses, and academic performance.
Regarding the operational difficulties of the new policy, Mr Nyaaba stated that this would be a difficult system to operate because it appears to be a short-term measure.
He noted that if he were asked, he would state that this is not an ideal solution, as there are problems with the entire system and not just the school selection process.
Reflecting on the shift in pressure, he explained that the current situation shows that there is pressure on the selection process.
He suggested that the new system will help address this pressure because knowing aggregates before selecting schools will cure that, which is the first advantage.
However, he warned of the systemic risks involving school parity.
He pointed out that the second point is that the old system allowed for authorities to place the candidates based on their strengths through scrutiny.
He argued the old system is not a bad system because it allowed for parity but cautioned that if the new system is not managed well, it will bring lots of pressure for the candidates in selecting the schools.
He added that if there are a lot of candidates with good grades, they will all prefer going to the Category A schools, which will mount pressure on the system, and while it may help if managed well, it is not an ideal solution.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
