The recent withholding of WASSCE results has stirred concerns and raised questions about the delicate balance between the application of the law, the delivery of justice, and the crucial factor of timeliness.
Among the affected schools is Osei Kyeretwie Senior High School (OKESS) in Kumasi, where core subject results for all candidates are currently withheld.
This occurrence, replicated across 235 schools in Ghana, representing approximately 20% of the total number of Senior High Schools (SHS), has sparked a discourse on the need for a more efficient and expedited investigative process.
The Withholding Dilemma
It is essential to acknowledge the cogent reasons behind the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) decision to withhold results, pending investigations into alleged irregularities.
However, the challenge lies in the timing of these investigations and their potential impact on the affected candidates. The results have not been canceled but are in a state of limbo, leaving students in a precarious situation as tertiary admissions deadlines loom.
Due Process vs. Timely Justice
The withholding of results in accordance with due process is commendable, as it ensures meticulous investigations to ascertain any fraudulent activities in the examination papers.
Nonetheless, a pressing concern is whether WAEC’s investigations will conclude before or after the tertiary admissions process. With tertiary admissions deadlines approaching rapidly, the balance between the application of the law, the delivery of justice, and the timely and fair delivery of justice becomes a critical aspect worthy of consideration.
Learnings from Past Incidents
Reflecting on past incidents, such as the case of an Apam SHS candidate whose results were withheld in 2020, sheds light on the potential consequences of delayed justice.
The candidate, wrongly accused of irregularities, found himself at a disadvantage as his innocence was established after his peers had already started their second semester at university.
This situation emphasizes the need for a more streamlined process to prevent innocent candidates from facing unnecessary setbacks.
Recommendations for Improvement
In Eduwatch’s 2021 WASSCE monitoring report, the recommendation for extra investments in consultants to expedite investigations is particularly relevant.
Accelerating the investigative process before announcing WASSCE results could alleviate the current dilemma and provide a fair chance for innocent candidates to complete their tertiary admissions applications without undue delays.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of withheld WASSCE results, finding a delicate balance between upholding due process, delivering justice, and doing so in a timely manner is crucial.
The stories of innocent candidates facing setbacks underscore the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure a more efficient and just examination process.
It is imperative that stakeholders in education collaborate to implement improvements that prioritize both the integrity of results and the timely progression of deserving students into higher education.
Source: GESHub.org
WAEC has been unfair to Ghanaian candidate especially 2023 candidate whose papers has been withheld preventing them for getting to tertiary education