In an urgent session held on December 19, 2024, the Minority in Parliament called for the Finance and Education Ministers to explain the government’s failure to release much-needed funds to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Apexnewsgh reports
The substantial debt, reportedly exceeding GHS 100 million, has raised serious concerns about WAEC’s ability to carry out its operations effectively.
Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, the Ranking Member of the Education Committee, voiced the Minority’s worries during the parliamentary debate. He highlighted that the outstanding debt is causing significant delays in key areas such as equipment maintenance, timely payments to examiners, and ultimately, the release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
“The target date of December 19 for the release of the 2024 results might have to be pushed back,’ Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe warned. “Examiners are threatening to withhold their scripts until they receive their payments.” He underscored the potential repercussions of this delay on students seeking to enroll in tertiary institutions by January 2025.
Concluding his remarks, he urged the Speaker to summon both Ministers to present their case in Parliament. “It is crucial that our children and wards are not denied the opportunity to pursue their education because of this financial mismanagement,” he stated emphatically.
The call for accountability reflects the growing frustration within the parliamentary minority, as the education sector faces increasing turmoil due to these financial issues.
