The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) has warned that the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), scheduled for July 2024, could be canceled due to severe funding challenges.
The council expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to release crucial funds needed for the preparation and administration of the exams. As the July 8, 2024, exam date approaches, time is running out for WAEC to purchase necessary logistics.
The Director of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, highlighted the urgency of the situation on Joy FM’s Midday News, emphasizing the need for immediate financial support to avoid disruption of the exams. Kapi stated that WAEC still has an outstanding payment of ₵698,500 for the BECE and expects a total of ₵95,837,306 from the government for the 2024 examinations.
He noted that, so far, the council has received ₵2,284,618, leaving an outstanding balance of ₵93,552,688 needed for the BECE. Kapi emphasized that the ₵2 million received is insufficient to facilitate the examination.
The Minority caucus on the Education Committee in Parliament raised the issue this week, calling for a payment schedule from the government. Ranking Member on the Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, proposed a meeting with the Ministers of Finance and Education, along with the WAEC national officer, to develop a roadmap for releasing funds.
He emphasized the urgency of ensuring WAEC has the necessary financial resources to conduct the BECE and fulfill its mandate. Nortsu-Kotoe also highlighted the upcoming WASSCE examination in August, which also requires funding, further emphasizing the need for prompt action.
However, the Vice Chairman of the committee, Dr Prince Hamidu Armah, downplayed the seriousness of the government’s indebtedness, arguing that this situation has been the status quo for the past decade. He claimed that the government paid over ₵80 million towards the BECE in 2023 and has already paid ₵2.5 million plus an additional ₵6 million in 2024. He asserted that this demonstrates the government’s commitment to making payments and ensuring the examinations are conducted.
The education and health sectors have been significantly impacted by persistent inflation, which stood at 23.1% in May 2024, down from 25% in April 2024. These sectors have reportedly experienced a substantial decline recently, with no signs of improvement.
Government Statistician, Prof. Samuel Kobina Annim, stressed the urgent need for proactive and pragmatic measures from government institutions to address this critical situation.
