Ghana’s 9th Parliament Registration Postponed Indefinitely Amid Electoral Commission Delays
Ghana’s scheduled registration for the 9th Parliament has been put on hold indefinitely due to the Electoral Commission’s (EC) failure to transmit the list of duly elected Members of Parliament from the December 2024 general elections. Apexnewsgh reports This delay has caused a significant disruption, as the registration was expected to kick-start preparations for the incoming parliamentary term. According to a statement from Parliament’s Secretariat, the postponement is primarily due to the unavailability of the certified list of MPs-elect from the EC. The statement expressed regret for the inconvenience caused and assured stakeholders that updates will be provided as soon as the EC fulfils its obligation. Observers have raised concerns over the delays, highlighting the importance of timely certification of elected officials to ensure a smooth transition and functionality of the next Parliament. The EC has yet to release an official statement explaining the delay, prompting political analysts and civil society groups to urge the Commission to expedite the process. This development has brought attention to the need for improved efficiency and transparency in Ghana’s electoral processes. Stakeholders are calling for reforms to prevent such occurrences in future elections, emphasizing the importance of a well-functioning democratic system. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
WAEC Expresses Dissatisfaction with Government’s Partial Payment Amid WASSCE Results Delay
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has voiced its disappointment with the Ghanaian government’s release of GHS25 million, a fraction of the GHS118 million owed to the Council. Apexnewsgh reports This payment is deemed grossly inadequate to facilitate the release of the delayed 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. The delay has sparked widespread concern among students, parents, and educational institutions, as WAEC’s financial struggles continue to disrupt its operations. John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, criticized the government’s payment, emphasizing the Council’s substantial financial obligations. “The GHS25 million is just a drop in the ocean,” Mr. Kapi stated. WAEC owes its technicians GHS25 million, which must be cleared before they can begin working on the equipment needed to process the results. The urgency of the situation is palpable, with Mr. Kapi explaining that the technicians will demand outstanding payment before commencing work. The delayed release of the WASSCE results has created uncertainty for thousands of students awaiting admission to tertiary institutions. Educational stakeholders have urged the government to address the funding shortfall as a matter of priority, warning that prolonged delays could undermine confidence in the examination system and disrupt students’ academic progression. As the situation unfolds, WAEC maintains that the release of additional funds is critical to complete the necessary operations and deliver the results. With the academic future of thousands of students hanging in the balance, the government must act swiftly to address the funding crisis and ensure the timely release of the WASSCE results. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Mahama Sounds Alarm on Ghana’s Education Crisis: A Call to Action
Ghana’s education sector is facing an unprecedented crisis, and President-elect John Dramani Mahama is urging immediate action. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking at a stakeholder engagement, Mahama highlighted the dire state of education, citing inefficiencies, waste, and inconsistent funding as the root causes. The situation is bleak, with 1.3 million basic school students lacking basic furniture, and tertiary education struggling to access funding. Mahama criticized the current approach to funding the Free Senior High School program, noting that the absence of a dedicated funding source has led to waste and inefficiency. The GETFund, a previously reliable source of funding, has been collateralized, leaving only 40% of its resources available to address infrastructure needs across the education sector. Mahama labeled the situation a “full-blown crisis” and called for a National Education Review Conference to bring together stakeholders and identify solutions. The conference aims to examine the bottlenecks in the education sector and develop a sustainable funding model to address immediate and long-term challenges. Mahama’s urgent call to action underscores the need for collective responsibility in addressing Ghana’s education crisis. As Ghana struggles to recover from its economic downturn, the education sector’s challenges are exacerbated by the country’s financial woes. The IMF has noted Ghana’s progress in stabilizing its economy, but the road to recovery remains long. In this context, Mahama’s emphasis on education as a critical sector requiring urgent attention is timely. By convening a National Education Review Conference, Ghana can take the first step towards addressing its education crisis and ensuring a brighter future for its children. Source: Apexnewsgh.com