As the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) approach, there is growing concern over the potential risks to their smooth conduct.
The Minority in Parliament has raised an alarm, urging the government to promptly clear all outstanding debts owed to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Failure to do so, according to the Minority Spokesperson on Education, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, could jeopardize the seamless organization of these critical examinations.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe expressed deep concern over the financial constraints plaguing WAEC. The council urgently requires over GH₵50 million to settle its outstanding financial commitments and ensure the smooth organization of the 2023 examinations.
One of the critical issues that have put WAEC in this predicament is the government’s failure to release funds for compensating individuals who provided their services during the 2022 WASSCE. This includes allowances owed to supervisors, invigilators, examiners, and other personnel who played vital roles in the examination process.
The consequences of unpaid allowances are far-reaching. WAEC is unable to raise funds to meet its obligations due to the government’s inability to release the necessary funds.
As a result, those who dedicated their time and efforts in conducting the 2022 WASSCE have not received the allowances rightfully due to them. Such delay in payment can discourage teachers and other personnel from offering their services again in the future, leading to potential shortages of supervisors and invigilators for the upcoming exams.
Nortsu-Kotoe highlighted an interesting observation that could be a learning point for Ghana. He mentioned that some member countries of WAEC release the entire budget to the council by the end of the first quarter, ensuring smooth planning and execution of national and international examinations.
This practice ensures that WAEC has the necessary funds to fulfill its financial obligations promptly and without hindrance. The question arises: Why can’t Ghana adopt a similar approach to support WAEC and safeguard the integrity of its educational assessment system?
With the 2023 examinations already underway, orals and practicals in progress, and the burden of last year’s unpaid services still looming, the urgency to address WAEC’s financial crisis cannot be overstated. The council needs approximately GH₵50 million to clear the previous year’s arrears, including payments to those involved in printing scripts and booklets, who are also awaiting their dues.
Source: GESHub.org
