- Gov't indebtedness to WAEC is "shameful" - Apaak.
- Debt affects exam result marking and release.
- BECE and WASSCE results at risk.
- Apaak urges gov't to pay WAEC debts.
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Education Committee, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has strongly condemned the government’s indebtedness to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), describing it as “shameful”. He emphasized that this situation is severely disrupting the academic calendars of both Senior and Junior High school education in the country.
According to Dr. Apaak, the government’s failure to settle its debts with WAEC is affecting the marking and collation of examination results for students. This, in turn, is putting the timelines set by WAEC for the release of these results in danger.
The lawmaker expressed concern about the implications of this situation on the education sector, particularly with the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) just commencing. He feared that the government’s indebtedness to WAEC could jeopardize the entire examination process.
Dr. Apaak highlighted that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is already in limbo due to the government’s failure to pay its debts to WAEC. He warned that further destruction of the academic calendar would have severe consequences for the education of young Ghanaians.
“It is a shame and we must all be embarrassed that our government owes WAEC to the extent that WAEC is incapable of fulfilling its obligations as far as its core duties are concerned,” Dr. Apaak stated. He emphasized that the government’s failure to settle its debts is not only affecting WAEC but also the students who rely on these examinations for their future.
Dr. Apaak pointed out that the government’s indebtedness to WAEC is not only limited to the BECE but also affects the WASSCE. He questioned what would become of the WASSCE results, considering the state of the BECE.
The lawmaker urged the government to take immediate action to address this situation, emphasizing that it is their responsibility to ensure that WAEC is able to fulfill its obligations. He expressed hope that the government would do the needful to prevent further disruptions to the academic calendar.
Dr. Apaak’s comments come at a time when students, parents, and educators are eagerly awaiting the release of examination results. The government’s failure to settle its debts with WAEC is causing unnecessary anxiety and uncertainty in the education sector.
The situation highlights the need for the government to prioritize its obligations to WAEC and ensure that the examination process is not compromised. Dr. Apaak’s call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of timely payment of debts to prevent disruptions to critical services like education.
Dr. Apaak’s statement emphasizes the urgent need for the government to address its indebtedness to WAEC. The government must take immediate action to prevent further disruptions to the academic calendar and ensure that the education of young Ghanaians is not compromised.
