The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akrofoum, Joseph Azumah, of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has made a startling confession that he has no evidence to back his earlier claim of GH₵30,000 extortion in the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS).
The first-term legislator recently alleged during an interview on Asempa FM that a parent had paid GH₵30,000 to secure senior high school admission for her child.
However, in a sharp U-turn, Mr. Azumah has admitted that his informant who provided the supposed information lied to him and failed to produce any proof to support the allegation.
“I believe the woman has lied,” the MP confessed during an interview on Adom FM, adding that the claim was based on hearsay.
He explained that the woman who made the allegation was unwilling to cooperate with security agencies or provide any evidence to back her story.
“This press release is intended to set the record straight and prevent misinterpretation of my statements,” Mr. Azumah clarified in a follow-up statement.
“I didn’t state emphatically that the GH₵30,000 was paid since the said woman didn’t tender evidence to me and is not ready to assist in any investigation.”
Sources close to the Education Ministry confirm that the MP had already admitted to ministry officials that he had no direct evidence when he was first contacted.
The 37-year-old lawmaker is expected to be invited by National Security this week for questioning, as the Ministry takes the allegations seriously.
Meanwhile, a similar allegation made by Richard Asamoah Mensah, Secretary of the Construction and Building Workers’ Union under the Ghana Trade Union Congress (TUC), has also collapsed after he failed to substantiate his claims.
Mr. Mensah reportedly declined to provide further details to investigators, citing his informant’s refusal to release the information.
It remains unclear whether the recent wave of allegations is part of a broader attempt to undermine the government’s anti-corruption drive.
National Security
In a statement signed by Deputy Education Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, the Ministry of Education confirmed that both Mr. Azumah and Mr. Mensah have been referred to National Security for further questioning.
The Ministry expressed deep concern over the allegations and reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency, integrity, and fairness in the school placement process.
“The Ministry takes these reports very seriously,” the statement read. “Any individual found to have engaged in acts of bribery, extortion, or manipulation of the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) will face the full rigours of the law.”
The Ministry also urged all individuals with relevant information to cooperate fully with National Security to ensure a thorough investigation.
“The Ministry further urges Hon. Joseph Azumah, Mr. Richard Asamoah Mensah, and any other persons with credible information or evidence to fully cooperate with National Security to aid ongoing investigations. This collaborative effort is crucial to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability,” it added.
Background
The controversy began when Mr. Azumah alleged that a woman, aware of his parliamentary position, had approached him in Community 16, seeking help with her child’s school placement. According to him, the woman later returned claiming she had paid GH₵30,000 to secure the placement.
However, the MP’s subsequent confession that he had no proof has cast doubt on the authenticity of the claims and raised questions about the motive behind the allegations.
