The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the receipt of GHC 35 million from the Ministry of Education to facilitate the completion of the processing and release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
In a press statement issued by its Head of Public Affairs, John K. Kapi, WAEC confirmed that the funds, received on December 25, 2024, would enable the Council to finalize the scanning of objective answer cards and conclude result processing by the end of December.
“The West African Examinations Council wishes to inform its stakeholders that on December 25, 2024, it received a cheque for an additional amount of GHC 35,000,000.00 from the Ministry of Education to enable it to complete the scanning of the objective answer cards and conclude the processing of results for the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2024.”
John K. Kapi, Head, Public Affairs,WAEC
The announcement comes against the backdrop of urgent warnings from Vice Chancellors Ghana (VCG), an association of university leaders, about the repercussions of any delays in releasing the 2024 WASSCE results.
In an earlier statement, VCG cautioned that such delays could severely disrupt the academic calendars of universities, many of which are structured around the timely admission of new students based on the examination results.
Vice Chancellors Ghana stressed that the academic calendars of most universities hinge on the prompt release of results to facilitate admissions, orientation programs, and the commencement of academic activities.
WAEC’s Financial Challenges
Despite the recent inflow of funds, WAEC highlighted outstanding financial obligations that could further delay operations. The Council revealed that the Ministry of Education has yet to release the balance needed to settle payments for supervisors, invigilators, script checkers, suppliers of examination materials, and other essential services.
“While we appreciate the Ministry’s effort in providing the additional funds, we appeal for the release of the outstanding balance to enable us to meet our financial commitments and ensure a seamless conclusion to this year’s WASSCE processing,”
John K. Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC
In its statement, WAEC assured the public of its commitment to delivering on its mandate despite financial and operational challenges. “The Council is working round the clock to ensure the results are released by the end of the month,” Mr Kapi stated, adding that WAEC remains dedicated to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the examination process.
The recurring financial challenges faced by WAEC in administering and processing national examinations have reignited calls for more sustainable funding models. Educational analysts have suggested that a long-term strategy to prevent such delays could include increased budgetary allocation for WAEC and a review of the financing structure for national examinations.
WAEC concluded its statement by wishing stakeholders the best of the season and reaffirming its commitment to addressing the challenges. However, the Council’s appeal for additional funds underscores the pressing need for immediate action to avert a potential crisis in Ghana’s education sector.
The delay in processing the WASSCE results has already sparked concerns among stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector. The Executive Director of the Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), Kofi Asare, had earlier voiced significant concerns about the government’s strategy in funding the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The leader of the leading education think-tank group, in a detailed critique, pointed out critical inefficiencies and financial strain in the current system that need urgent address to ensure sustainable and equitable education financing.
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