BECE grades sold for Ghc6,000 - Educationist

An Educationist from the University of Ghana, Mr. Kwame Gyasi, says he has information that grades are being changed through the backdoor for Ghc6,000, for prospective Senior High School (SHS) students.

Mr. Gyasi told XYZ Breakfast Show Host Moro Awudu on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 that: “Only yesterday I was talking to somebody and he was telling me that…if you go there and you pay Ghc6000, somebody can change your marks for you”.

Although he would not mention the specific office or institution where the money-for-grades practice is going on, Mr. Gyasi said: “This is what is happening. You pay Ghc6,000 and the grading system of your ward can be changed easily for you”.

According to him, the Computerised Schools Selection and Placement System (CSSPS), which was introduced in 2005 to remove corruption in the placement of Basic Education Certificate Examination students into Senior High Schools, has also been corrupted.

Prior to the CSSPS, Head Teachers of highly rated Senior High Schools always came under intense pressure and influence from parents and guardians, to admit their wards into their schools.

A recent survey published by anti-graft body, Transparency International, said 40 percent of people interviewed in Ghana and other African countries in 2010, said they had ever paid bribes for education services, including admissions.

The situation, according the Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative – local chapter of Transparency International – is prevalent in the Senor High Schools.