The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) received a significant boost ahead of this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Ghanaian government allocated a substantial amount of GH¢55 million to WAEC to ensure the seamless organization of the crucial examinations. The news was confirmed by Winifred Ampiaw, the Public Relations Officer of WAEC, putting to rest concerns raised by the Minority about the possible cancellation of the exams due to alleged financial obligations not being met.
On Thursday, July 27, 2023, Winifred Ampiaw officially confirmed the receipt of GH¢55 million by WAEC for conducting the BECE and WASSCE. Out of this amount, GH¢10.5 million is earmarked for the BECE, and GH¢40 million is designated for the WASSCE. The remaining amount will be paid in due course, allowing WAEC to fulfill its pre-exam activities and ensure a smooth examination process.
The allocation of funds comes in the wake of concerns raised by the Minority Spokesperson on Education, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, who had expressed worry that the exams might not take place due to the government’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations to WAEC. The Deputy Education Minister, Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, clarified that the government is actively working to settle the outstanding amount and ensure a successful examination process.
According to Winifred Ampiaw, the total estimated cost for conducting the BECE is approximately GH¢18 million, leaving the council with about GH¢7.5 million after receiving GH¢10.5 million. For the WASSCE, the estimated cost for pre-exam activities and conducting the main examination amounts to GH¢63.5 million, with GH¢40 million already received.
Winifred Ampiaw assured the public that the received funds are sufficient to conduct both the BECE and WASSCE for the current year. The allocated GH¢55 million will enable WAEC to handle all necessary preparations and ensure the smooth and timely administration of the examinations. This should come as a relief to students, parents, and educators who were concerned about the exams’ possible cancellation.
Students can now focus on their studies, knowing that the exams are on track, and parents can rest assured that the government is working diligently to uphold its financial obligations to WAEC.
Source: GESHub.org
