The Conference of Heads of Private Second-Cycle Schools (CHOPSS) has expressed grave concerns over the ongoing delay in the release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for school candidates. Describing the situation as entirely avoidable, CHOPSS has called on the government to intervene urgently to resolve the issues hindering the release of the results.
In a statement issued on December 9, 2024, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) explained that the delay was caused by a technical malfunction in scanners used to process objective cards. This equipment failure has been exacerbated by an outstanding debt of GH₵118,000,000 owed to WAEC by the Ministry of Education. According to WAEC, these funds are critical to addressing the technical challenges and completing the processing of examination results.
CHOPSS has criticized the government for failing to address the matter promptly, emphasizing the disproportionate impact on private school students. These students, unlike their counterparts in public schools, have fully paid their WASSCE registration fees, yet they are being subjected to the same delays. This, CHOPSS argues, is unjust and undermines the investments made by private schools, parents, and students in ensuring the smooth conduct of the exams.
The delay has also raised alarms among private school administrators and parents, as universities across Ghana have set January 2025 deadlines for admissions. For many students, the release of their WASSCE results is a critical prerequisite for securing a place in tertiary institutions. The ongoing delays, therefore, threaten to jeopardize the academic and professional futures of countless young Ghanaians.
CHOPSS has further pointed out that had the scanner breakdown not occurred, private schools would have sought the independent release of their students’ results. Private schools have consistently fulfilled their financial obligations to WAEC and should not be subjected to delays caused by unpaid debts from the government.
“This situation is simply unacceptable,” the CHOPSS statement declared. “For eight years, we have been excluded from participating in the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Our classrooms have been left almost empty as parents face difficult economic decisions when choosing schools for their children. Despite these challenges, we have continued to support our students and ensure they meet their academic goals. This delay in the release of WASSCE results is yet another obstacle that unfairly penalizes private school students.”
CHOPSS has called on the government to take immediate steps to resolve the issue, including disbursing the outstanding GH₵118,000,000 owed to WAEC. The Council argues that addressing this financial shortfall is essential to ensuring the timely release of results and restoring confidence in the education system.
The delay has also drawn criticism from parents, who feel that their children’s futures are being placed in jeopardy due to administrative and financial inefficiencies. “We have made all necessary payments for our children’s education and examination fees,” said a concerned parent. “It is unacceptable that they should suffer because of problems that have nothing to do with them. The government and WAEC must resolve this issue immediately.”
CHOPSS has warned that if a positive response is not received within the coming days, private schools, in collaboration with parents and students, will be compelled to take further action. While the Council has not specified what form this action might take, it has hinted at the possibility of legal measures or public demonstrations to draw attention to the plight of private school students.
The broader implications of the delay extend beyond the immediate concerns of students and parents. The situation has also highlighted longstanding issues within Ghana’s education sector, including the financial and logistical challenges faced by WAEC and the unequal treatment of private schools under the Free SHS policy. For years, private schools have expressed frustration over their exclusion from the policy, which has led to declining enrollment and financial strain.
Despite these challenges, private schools have continued to play a vital role in Ghana’s education system, providing quality education and contributing to the overall development of the nation’s human capital. The current delay in the release of WASSCE results is seen by many as yet another indication of the need for greater collaboration and support between the government and private educational institutions.
The delayed release of results has also sparked wider conversations about the need for reform in the administration of examinations and the financing of education in Ghana. Stakeholders have called for more sustainable approaches to funding WAEC and ensuring the timely release of examination results. These include exploring alternative funding models, improving the maintenance of examination equipment, and strengthening the financial accountability of government agencies responsible for education.
As the situation unfolds, students, parents, and educators across the country are waiting anxiously for a resolution. For many students, the timely release of WASSCE results is not just a matter of academic progress but a critical step toward achieving their dreams and aspirations.
The CHOPSS statement concluded with a plea to the government to prioritize the issue and take swift action to address the concerns of private schools, parents, and students. “Education is the foundation of our nation’s future,” the statement read. “We cannot afford to let financial and administrative challenges undermine the hard work and dedication of our students and educators. The government must act now to resolve this issue and ensure that the 2024 WASSCE results are released without further delay.”
For now, the fate of thousands of students hangs in the balance as the government, WAEC, and private schools work to find a solution. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the issue is resolved in time to meet university admission deadlines and restore confidence in Ghana’s education system.
