The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has attributed the delay in releasing the 2024 WASSCE results to unresolved financial challenges, stating that its hands are tied until adequate funding is provided by the government.
Speaking to ABC in the Morning on Monday, December 23, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, explained, “Really, we cannot be held responsible because we have communicated appropriately the timeline we were supposed to work with. It’s not been as easy as we expected. If the Finance Minister we deal with directly does not respond on behalf of the central government, there is not much we can do.”
Kapi emphasized WAEC’s apolitical stance, saying, “We are apolitical; we don’t involve ourselves in political discussions.”
Financial Struggles and Partial Payment
The government recently disbursed GH¢25 million to WAEC as a partial payment of the GH¢118 million owed. While the payment is a step forward, WAEC asserts it is insufficient to address the broader financial issues.
“With more monies paid, we can fix the machines and start marking the objective cards,” Kapi said. “We will settle our indebtedness to the technicians, and now we will have to guarantee that we will pay them when they are done with the job.”
Government’s Delays and Legislative Scrutiny
Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Education Committee, acknowledged the government’s partial payment but stressed that the amount falls short of what is needed to resolve WAEC’s financial woes.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Dr. Eric Nkansah, remains optimistic that the results will be released by the end of the year. He noted that WAEC has maintained regular contact with the Ministry of Education but admitted that unforeseen challenges occasionally hinder the council’s ability to meet deadlines.
The issue has sparked criticism in Parliament, with the Minority demanding that the Finance and Education Ministers be summoned to explain the government’s failure to clear its debt to WAEC. Despite several calls, neither minister has appeared before the House to address the matter.
Implications for Students and Technicians
WAEC has highlighted that the financial shortfall has also affected technicians responsible for maintaining critical examination equipment, delaying the marking process and subsequent release of results.
As the year-end approaches, the fate of thousands of students awaiting their results remains uncertain, with WAEC reiterating its commitment to releasing the results once funding challenges are resolved.
