Two Women Arrested in Accra for Alleged GH 22,000 SHS Placement Fraud

​Police in Accra have arrested two women, 24-year-old University of Ghana graduate Vicentia Appiah Antwi and 18-year-old unemployed Suzzy Owusu, for allegedly defrauding Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates and their parents. The duo allegedly collected sums ranging between GH¢9,500 and GH¢22,000 per student under the pretext of securing placements into preferred Senior High Schools. The fees were reportedly varied depending on the prestige and demand of the target institution.  

​The illicit scheme unravelled after affected BECE candidates directly approached the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, with evidence of the monetary demands. Prompted by the victims' reports, the Minister alerted security operatives, leading to a coordinated team apprehending both suspects at a Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) Resolution Centre in Accra. During preliminary interrogations, the suspects implicated two alleged accomplices Nana Yaw Boateng, reportedly a medical doctor in Kumasi, and Alex Asumani, alias “Lexus” whom police have directed to report to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Headquarters.  

​The suspects were detained and later released on bail as police gather statements from victims and parents to expand their investigation. Reiterating its stance, the Ministry of Education reminded the public that placements through the CSSPS are completely free of charge, warning parents against paying individuals for placement favors and encouraging the reporting of extortion attempts to law enforcement.

@Volta Today