Dr. Clement Apaak, the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Education Committee, has disclosed that the government is issuing a GH¢25 million payment to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). This payment is in response to WAEC's urgent warning that delays in clearing the government’s GH¢118 million debt could significantly postpone the release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. Dr. Apaak described the payment as a positive step but emphasized its inadequacy, given the substantial outstanding amount. "The GH¢25 million is far from sufficient; it barely scratches the surface of the GH¢118 million owed," he stated during an interview with Citi News.
John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, explained how the funds would be allocated. He noted that the payment would be used to address immediate operational needs, particularly paying technicians tasked with repairing faulty scanners essential for marking objective questions. However, Kapi’s statement highlights the council's broader financial constraints, which extend beyond operational maintenance. The delayed settlement of debts has raised concerns over WAEC's ability to deliver timely results, potentially impacting students awaiting their WASSCE outcomes. This partial payment underscores the ongoing struggles between the government and WAEC in maintaining the smooth functioning of critical educational assessments.
Dr. Apaak urged the government to prioritize settling the remaining debt to avoid further complications. He called for a structured approach to prevent recurring financial challenges that could disrupt WAEC's operations and the education system. While the GH¢25 million payment offers some relief, the larger issue of funding sustainability for WAEC remains unresolved. Without comprehensive financial planning and support, the council’s ability to deliver its mandate may continue to face hurdles, leaving students and stakeholders in uncertainty.
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Government Issues GH¢25m to WAEC Amid Debt Crisis.
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