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Parent Allegedly Duped of GHS 8,500 in Senior High School Placement Scam

kingcyrusonline November 1, 2024

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In a disturbing case of fraud, a Ghanaian parent has reportedly been swindled out of GHS 8,500 by an individual named Isaac Boafo, who allegedly promised to secure a placement for their ward at the prestigious Achimota School. The incident raises concerns over fraudulent practices surrounding school placements, particularly in highly sought-after institutions.

The incident took place on Monday, October 28, when the parent, seeking to secure admission into one of Ghana’s top Senior High Schools (SHS), was referred to Isaac Boafo via an online platform.

Mr. Boafo reportedly claimed he could guarantee admission in Category A schools, like Achimota, for GHS 8,500. Fees for other categories were allegedly lower, with placements in Category B and C schools costing GHS 4,000 and GHS 3,000, respectively.

Communications between the parent and Mr. Boafo were primarily conducted over WhatsApp, where he purportedly assured the parent of his influence over the SHS placement system.

Under the pretense of expediting admission into Achimota School, the parent transferred the full amount of GHS 8,500. However, after receiving the funds, Mr. Boafo reportedly failed to uphold his end of the deal. He has since cut off contact, blocking the parent’s phone calls and WhatsApp messages.

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This incident underscores a significant issue within Ghana’s educational system, where the intense competition for placements in top schools creates fertile ground for scammers. Despite efforts by the Ghana Education Service (GES) to make the placement process transparent, scams targeting hopeful parents continue to proliferate.

Authorities are urging parents to remain vigilant and to report any individuals who claim to have influence over the placement system. The GES has reaffirmed that the school placement process is entirely managed by their official protocols, with no provisions for third-party influence.

In light of this scam, parents and guardians are advised to trust only official channels for school placements and to avoid intermediaries who make dubious promises. The GES and law enforcement are reportedly investigating the case to prevent future occurrences and to bring those responsible to justice.

Such incidents serve as a reminder to the public to rely solely on legitimate procedures for school admissions, as any shortcuts could lead to significant financial losses and emotional distress.