Minority raises concerns over Gov’t’s inability to settle WAEC debts

The Minority in Parliament has warned that there may be serious repercussions if the government fails to settle outstanding debts owed to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

At a presser in Parliament, the Minority Spokesperson on Education, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, said the smooth conduct of the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), could be affected.

Mr Nortsu-Kotoe raised alarm over the urgent need for WAEC to receive over GH₵‎50 million to fulfill its financial obligations and ensure the seamless organisation of the 2023 examinations.

He stressed that the challenges faced by WAEC have been exacerbated by the government’s failure to release funds for compensating individuals who rendered their services during the 2022 WASSCE.

“The challenge for WAEC now is the government’s inability to release funds to them to perform their functions. Those who worked for WAEC last year, 2022, have not been paid. So, WAEC is unable to raise funds to meet its obligations,” Nortsu-Kotoe stated.

Nortsu-Kotoe further cited examples of other member countries where the budget for WAEC is released promptly, enabling the smooth execution of national and international examinations. He questioned why Ghana cannot adopt a similar approach.

Without the necessary financial support, the Minority warns that the effective organization of the 2023 WASSCE and BECE is at stake, jeopardizing the future of students and the credibility of the examination process.