John Kapi, Head of Public Relations at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has defended the delay in releasing the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, citing ongoing investigations into alleged malpractice.
He emphasized that ensuring a fair and credible examination process is paramount and that the council is committed to upholding the integrity of the results.
His remarks come in response to a one-week ultimatum issued by the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), demanding the immediate release of all withheld results. The student body has also called for the removal of WAEC Ghana’s Head, alleging unfair treatment of candidates accused of malpractice. NUGS has threatened to stage nationwide protests if its demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Mr. Kapi reassured the public that WAEC is committed to a credible examination process. He stressed that the delay is necessary to ensure that only deserving candidates receive their grades, preventing any compromise on the integrity of the results.
“We need to sit down and probably bring on board a number of stakeholders to decide on this issue so that we are awarding grades to people who deserve them,” he stated.
Despite this explanation, NUGS and other concerned stakeholders argue that the prolonged delay is causing unnecessary anxiety and stress for affected students. Many students rely on their WASSCE results for university admissions and scholarship applications, making the delay a source of frustration.
Over the years, WAEC has faced repeated accusations of inefficiency and mishandling of results. While the council insists that thorough investigations are necessary to maintain the credibility of the examination, critics argue that the persistent delays and alleged inconsistencies in grading create doubts about the examination body’s effectiveness.
The 2024 WASSCE, like previous years, witnessed reports of examination malpractices in various centers across the country. WAEC had announced before the examinations that stringent measures would be implemented to curb cheating, including surveillance technologies and increased supervision. However, cases of leaked exam questions and impersonation still surfaced, prompting the council to withhold some results for further scrutiny.
For students who have been accused of malpractice, the delay is particularly distressing. Many insist they are innocent and have called on WAEC to expedite its investigations to avoid jeopardizing their future academic and career prospects. Parents and school authorities have also joined the call for a swift resolution, arguing that the prolonged uncertainty negatively impacts students’ mental well-being.
NUGS has remained resolute in its stance, warning that it will not hesitate to mobilize students nationwide for protests if WAEC fails to comply with its demands within the given deadline. The student body has accused the examination council of being indifferent to the plight of students and has vowed to take every necessary step to ensure the immediate release of all withheld results.
The frustration among students is growing, with many taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. Some have accused WAEC of negligence, while others believe that the delay is politically motivated. Several education advocates have also weighed in on the matter, calling for reforms in WAEC’s examination process to prevent similar issues in the future.
WAEC, however, maintains that the integrity of the examination is its top priority and that it will not be pressured into compromising its standards. Officials have assured that investigations are in their final stages and that results will be released as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, some education experts have suggested that WAEC introduce more transparent methods in handling malpractice cases to prevent unnecessary delays. They argue that a structured appeals process, clear communication with affected students, and faster investigation timelines could reduce tension and build trust in the examination system.
In response to the pressure, WAEC has assured that it is working closely with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and school authorities, to ensure a fair resolution. However, the council has also cautioned against any hasty decisions that could undermine the credibility of the examination process.
Some students who spoke to the media have expressed disappointment in WAEC’s handling of the situation, with many questioning why the council did not address potential malpractice issues before the results were due for release. Others have shared concerns about how the delay is affecting their ability to meet deadlines for university applications, especially those applying to institutions abroad.
With tensions rising, all eyes are on WAEC to see whether it will meet NUGS’ demands or risk mass demonstrations from frustrated students and concerned stakeholders. The next few days will be crucial in determining the outcome of this standoff, as both sides hold firm to their positions.
At the heart of this issue is the broader question of how WAEC can balance maintaining examination integrity while ensuring that innocent students do not suffer undue delays. As discussions continue, many hope that this situation will lead to long-term reforms that improve the efficiency and credibility of the examination process, ultimately benefiting future candidates.
