Accra, Ghana – Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Dr. Clement Apaak, has disclosed that the government has issued a cheque for GH¢25 million to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). This payment comes after WAEC warned that delays in settling the government’s GH¢118 million debt could significantly delay the release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.

Payment Details

Dr. Apaak acknowledged the payment as a positive step but noted that it falls short of addressing WAEC’s pressing financial challenges. “The information we are receiving is that the government has issued a cheque for GH¢25 million to WAEC, but we are talking about an amount of GH¢118 million, and so when you give only GH¢25 million, clearly this is not even half of the debt. It is a drop in the ocean,” he said.

Use of Funds

The Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, stated that the GH¢25 million would be used to pay technicians to repair faulty scanners, which are needed to mark objective questions. This is crucial for ensuring the timely release of examination results. Additionally, some of the funds will be allocated to cover administrative costs, allowing WAEC to maintain its operations and support ongoing examination processes.

Remaining Debt

Despite the payment, WAEC’s financial challenges remain significant. The government still owes GH¢93 million, and further delays in settling this debt could impact the examination body’s operations. WAEC continues to appeal for the remaining funds to ensure smooth operations and timely results for students. The lingering debt has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of WAEC’s services and its ability to uphold its standards.

Public Reaction

The payment has been met with mixed reactions from the public. While some view it as a positive step towards addressing the debt, others believe it is insufficient to fully resolve WAEC’s financial issues. The public is closely watching the situation, hoping for a resolution that will prevent further delays in the release of examination results. Social media platforms have become arenas for debate, with parents, students, and educators expressing their views on the government’s partial payment.

Implications for Education

The timely release of examination results is crucial for students’ academic progress and future opportunities. Delays in releasing results can disrupt students’ plans for higher education and employment. WAEC’s financial stability is therefore essential not only for the organization itself but also for the educational prospects of thousands of students across the region.

Calls for Accountability

There have been calls for greater transparency and accountability regarding the government’s financial commitments to WAEC. Some stakeholders have questioned why the debt has accumulated to such a significant amount and are urging the government to provide a clear plan for settling the remaining balance. Ensuring that similar financial crises do not occur in the future is a priority for many educational advocates.

Final Thoughts

The government’s payment to WAEC is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to fully address the examination body’s financial challenges. Ensuring timely and accurate examination results is crucial for the academic progress of students, and resolving this debt issue is essential for maintaining the integrity of the education system. As stakeholders await further payments, the focus remains on finding sustainable solutions to support WAEC and uphold the standards of education in Ghana.

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