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The Ghana Police Service has arrested two people in Accra for allegedly taking money from two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates after promising to secure placements for them in their preferred senior high schools.
The suspects have been identified as 24-year-old University of Ghana graduate Vicentia Appiah Antwi and 18-year-old unemployed Suzzy Owusu.
Police allege that the suspects collected amounts ranging from GH¢9,500 to GH¢22,000 from each of the two victims, depending on the senior high school placement they were seeking.
The arrests followed a complaint made by the two candidates to the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu. The candidates reportedly submitted evidence indicating that they had been persuaded to pay money in exchange for assistance with securing their preferred second-cycle school placements.
After examining the evidence, the Education Minister referred the matter to the relevant security authorities. This subsequently led to the arrest of the two suspects at a Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) Resolution Centre in Accra.
The suspects were interrogated, cautioned and detained for 24 hours before being granted bail to a credible surety as police investigations continue.
According to the Police, the suspects mentioned two other individuals in connection with the alleged scheme. They identified one as Nana Yaw Boateng, whom they claim is a medical doctor at Kwadaso SDA Hospital in Kumasi, and another person known as Alex Asumani, alias “Lexus”.
Police said the two individuals have been directed to report to the authorities to assist with the investigation.
Statements have also been taken from the two affected candidates and their parents as investigators work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged scheme and identify any other persons involved.
The arrests come as the second-cycle school placement exercise is ongoing, with authorities warning about individuals allegedly exploiting students and parents facing difficulties with school placements.
The Ministry of Education has reiterated that placement through the CSSPS is free of charge and cautioned parents and students against giving money to people who claim they can secure placements in preferred schools.
The Ministry has further urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of extortion, fraud or attempts to interfere with the placement process to the appropriate authorities.