West African Examination Council (WAEC) has warned that the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in July 2024 might be cancelled due to significant funding shortages.
The council has attributed this dire situation to the government’s failure to release essential funds needed for the preparation and administration of the exams.
WAEC stated that the government’s outstanding debt has hindered their ability to procure necessary examination materials for the exams scheduled to commence on July 8, 2024.
In an interview with JoyFM, John Kapi, WAEC’s Director of Public Affairs, disclosed that the council is owed a total of GH₵95,837,306 by the government, of which only GH₵2,284,618 has been paid, leaving a balance of GH₵93,552,688.
Kapi emphasised that the GH₵2 million received is insufficient for the comprehensive planning and preparation required for the examinations, which are now less than a month away.
Earlier, the Minority Caucus in Parliament called on the government to release a payment schedule.
Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, suggested a meeting with the Finance Minister, the Education Minister, and WAEC to create a plan for fund disbursement.
He asserted that this would allow WAEC to conduct the BECE and secure the necessary funds.
Nortsu-Kotoe also highlighted that the upcoming West African Secondary School Examination (WASSCE) in August requires funding, emphasising the importance of developing a payment plan to avoid any disruptions in the examination schedule.
However, Dr. Prince Hamidu Armah, the Vice Chairman of the Committee, dismissed these concerns, noting that successive governments have always owed WAEC.
He reassured me that the government’s debt to the council would not impede the examinations.
Armah stated that the government is committed to settling its debts with WAEC promptly and has established mechanisms for swift payment.