The Ministry of Education has announced the release of an additional GH₵25 million to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to bolster its operations and ensure the smooth progression of marking activities for the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
This financial intervention is aimed at addressing the pressing challenges faced by WAEC, ensuring the timely release of the much-anticipated WASSCE results for the thousands of students who participated in the examination this year.
Kwasi Kwarteng, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, confirmed the disbursement in a statement issued on Monday, December 23. He emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting WAEC in overcoming the operational and logistical difficulties that had threatened to delay the results. “We are pleased to announce the release of an additional GH₵25 million to WAEC,” Kwarteng stated. “This financial support is part of our broader efforts to ensure the timely completion of the marking process and the release of the results.”
The decision to release the additional funds comes amid growing anxiety among students, parents, and educational institutions over the delayed release of the WASSCE results. The examination results hold significant importance, as they serve as a critical gateway for students seeking to further their education at tertiary institutions or enter the job market. With the academic calendar for 2025 fast approaching, the timely release of the results is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition for students.
WAEC, the body responsible for administering the WASSCE, has faced mounting financial pressures in recent years. These challenges have been exacerbated by the increasing number of candidates sitting for the examination, the logistical demands of conducting the exams across multiple countries, and the costs associated with maintaining the integrity and security of the examination process. The release of the additional GH₵25 million is expected to alleviate some of these financial burdens and enable WAEC to expedite the marking and processing of scripts.
In its response to the funding boost, WAEC expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and the government for their continued support. The Council assured the public that it is working diligently to complete the marking and processing of results within the shortest possible time. “We acknowledge the concerns of students, parents, and stakeholders regarding the delay in the release of results,” a representative of WAEC stated. “This additional funding will go a long way in facilitating our operations and ensuring that we meet our obligations to the public.”
The delay in the release of the WASSCE results had sparked widespread concern and speculation, with some stakeholders questioning the ability of WAEC to effectively manage its operations under the current financial constraints. The government’s intervention, therefore, comes as a timely relief to allay these fears and restore confidence in the examination body’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
Beyond addressing immediate financial challenges, the government’s support also underscores its broader commitment to education in Ghana. The timely release of WASSCE results is not only critical for the affected students but also for the smooth functioning of the education system as a whole. Universities and other tertiary institutions rely on the results to finalize admissions processes, while employers often require them as part of recruitment procedures.
The disbursement of the additional GH₵25 million reflects the government’s recognition of the importance of education as a cornerstone of national development. By ensuring that WAEC has the resources it needs to carry out its mandate effectively, the government is also safeguarding the future of the thousands of students who rely on the examination results to pursue their academic and professional aspirations.
For students and parents, the announcement has been met with a mix of relief and anticipation. Many have expressed hope that the additional funding will translate into a swift release of the results, bringing an end to the uncertainty that has surrounded the process in recent weeks. “We are grateful for the government’s intervention,” said a parent whose child participated in the 2024 WASSCE. “This has been a very stressful period for our family, and we are eager to see the results so that we can plan for the next steps.”
Educational institutions have also welcomed the news, noting that the timely release of results is essential for maintaining the integrity of the academic calendar. Delays in the release of WASSCE results can have a ripple effect on the education system, disrupting admissions processes and creating bottlenecks that affect students, teachers, and administrators alike.
While the release of the additional funds is a positive development, it also highlights the need for a sustainable approach to funding education and examination administration in Ghana. Stakeholders have called for greater collaboration between the government, WAEC, and other partners to develop long-term solutions that address the root causes of the financial challenges facing the examination body.
The 2024 WASSCE marked another milestone in Ghana’s education sector, with thousands of students demonstrating their academic prowess in subjects ranging from mathematics and science to literature and social studies. The examination process, however, has not been without its challenges, including logistical hurdles and concerns about examination malpractice. WAEC has reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and fairness in the administration of the WASSCE, noting that the additional funding will support these efforts.
As WAEC moves forward with the marking and processing of scripts, the public remains optimistic that the results will be released in a timely and efficient manner. The financial boost provided by the government is expected to serve as a catalyst for addressing immediate challenges while paving the way for long-term improvements in the management of the WASSCE.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on WAEC as it works to meet the expectations of students, parents, and stakeholders. The successful completion of the marking process and the release of the 2024 WASSCE results will not only mark the end of a challenging period for the examination body but also reaffirm its role as a trusted custodian of Ghana’s educational assessment system.
