The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate summoning of the Finance and Education Ministers to address the government’s outstanding debt of over ₵100 million to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
This debt, according to the Minority, is causing significant disruptions to WAEC’s operations, including delays in the release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, the Ranking Member of the Education Committee, highlighted the far-reaching implications of the government’s failure to settle its financial obligations to WAEC. He explained that the debt has hampered WAEC’s ability to conduct regular maintenance on its equipment and has delayed payments to examiners, both of which are critical for the smooth running of the organization’s activities.
“Information available is that the target date of 19 December for the release of the 2024 results will have to be delayed because examiners are threatening to hold on to their scripts if payments are not made to them,” Nortsu-Kotoe stated. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that the delays could have a ripple effect on the education sector, particularly for students awaiting their results to gain admission into tertiary institutions in January 2025.
The ₵100 million indebtedness has placed WAEC in a precarious position, with examiners expressing frustration over the non-payment of their allowances. Some have reportedly threatened to withhold examination scripts until their demands are met. This situation has disrupted WAEC’s operations, including the processing and release of results, which is now uncertain due to the financial constraints.
The Minority expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of the government’s inaction. They warned that the delay in releasing the results could deny thousands of students the opportunity to pursue higher education in the upcoming academic year. This, they argued, would exacerbate the already existing challenges in Ghana’s education sector and undermine the future prospects of many young Ghanaians.
Nortsu-Kotoe, on behalf of the Minority, called on the Speaker of Parliament to intervene by summoning the Ministers of Finance and Education to provide explanations for the government’s inability to fulfill its financial obligations to WAEC. He argued that this issue required immediate attention to prevent further disruptions to the education system.
“Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to urge you to invite the Ministers for Education and Finance to appear before the house and explain why the government is unable to release funds to ensure the release of the 2024 WAEC results on the target date of 19 December 2024. Our children and wards must not be denied the opportunity to enter tertiary institutions in January 2025,” Nortsu-Kotoe said.
The debt issue has brought to light broader concerns about the government’s financial management and its impact on critical sectors such as education. The Minority questioned the government’s priorities, noting that resources should be allocated to address pressing issues that directly affect the lives of citizens, especially young people aspiring to further their education.
This is not the first time WAEC has faced challenges due to delayed payments from the government. Over the years, the council has struggled to maintain its operations amid financial difficulties, often relying on emergency measures to fulfill its obligations. The current debt, however, represents one of the most significant challenges the council has faced in recent years, with potentially severe consequences for students, parents, and the education sector as a whole.
The Minority’s concerns have resonated with many stakeholders in the education sector, including parents and teachers, who have expressed frustration over the recurring financial issues affecting WAEC. They argue that the government must prioritize its obligations to the council to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations and the timely release of results.
The call to summon the Ministers of Finance and Education has also been supported by education advocacy groups, who believe that addressing the debt issue is critical to restoring confidence in the examination process. They argue that the credibility of WAEC and Ghana’s education system depends on the government’s ability to meet its financial commitments and provide the necessary support for the council’s operations.
The delay in releasing the 2024 WASSCE results is particularly concerning because it could disrupt the academic calendar for tertiary institutions. Many universities and colleges rely on the timely release of results to finalize their admissions processes and prepare for the new academic year. A prolonged delay could create logistical challenges for these institutions, potentially affecting the quality of education they provide.
As the situation unfolds, the Minority has pledged to continue advocating for a resolution to the debt issue. They have called on their colleagues in Parliament to support their efforts to hold the government accountable and ensure that WAEC receives the funds it needs to carry out its mandate effectively.
The Speaker of Parliament is expected to respond to the Minority’s request in the coming days. If the Ministers of Finance and Education are summoned, they will be required to provide detailed explanations of the government’s financial position and its plans to address the debt to WAEC.
The outcome of these discussions will be closely watched by stakeholders in the education sector, who hope that a resolution can be reached to prevent further disruptions to WAEC’s operations and the education system at large. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that the 2024 WASSCE results are released as soon as possible, allowing students to proceed with their academic pursuits without further delays.
The issue has once again highlighted the importance of effective financial management in the public sector. The government’s ability to address its obligations to WAEC will be seen as a test of its commitment to education and its capacity to manage the country’s resources responsibly. For the thousands of students awaiting their results, the stakes could not be higher.
