The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has vehemently refuted a claim made by Ghana’s Education Minister, Dr. Osei Yaw Adutwum, regarding the release date of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results. Dr. Adutwum had publicly stated that the results would be released by December 29th. However, WAEC’s Director of Public Affairs, John Kapi, categorically dismissed the Minister’s assertion as factually incorrect and misleading. Kapi clarified that while the Minister had visited WAEC’s offices and observed some of the ongoing work, no formal discussion or agreement took place regarding a specific release date. The Minister’s subsequent announcement, according to WAEC, was unsanctioned and potentially damaging to the credibility of the examination process.
The heart of the disagreement lies in the miscommunication surrounding the Minister’s visit to WAEC. While Dr. Adutwum interpreted his observations and informal conversations as confirmation of a December 29th release date, WAEC maintains that no such commitment was made. Kapi stressed that the Minister’s statement was made without their consent and portrayed a misleading picture of the situation. He criticized the Minister’s approach, using strong language to describe it as “scandalous,” highlighting the potential negative impact on the integrity of the examination process. This public contradiction has created confusion and anxiety among students, parents, and educators awaiting the results.
WAEC emphasizes the complexity and meticulous nature of the examination process, which involves multiple stages, including marking, collation, and verification, before results can be released. Kapi pointed out that the Minister’s premature announcement disregarded these crucial steps and created unrealistic expectations. He underlined the importance of maintaining transparency and accuracy in communicating about the results to avoid undue pressure and misinformation. WAEC’s stance reflects their commitment to upholding the integrity of the WASSCE and ensuring the fairness of the assessment process for all candidates.
The dispute also highlights the sensitivity surrounding examination results, particularly in a context like Ghana where WASSCE performance has significant implications for students’ future academic and career prospects. Kapi emphasized the personal stake that WAEC staff also have in the timely and accurate release of the results, as many of their own children are among the candidates. He underscored the need for responsible communication and cautioned against making pronouncements that could unduly raise hopes or create unnecessary anxiety among students and their families.
The Ministry of Education’s earlier assurance of a December 29th release date, coupled with Dr. Adutwum’s optimistic assessment of the marking progress, further complicates the situation. The Ministry had stated that approximately 50% of the objective scripts had been marked and expressed confidence in meeting the projected deadline despite the holiday period. This initial optimism, however, contrasts sharply with WAEC’s subsequent refutation, raising questions about the internal coordination and communication within the education sector.
This public disagreement between WAEC and the Education Ministry underscores the importance of clear communication and collaboration in managing public expectations regarding critical events like the release of examination results. The incident highlights the potential for misinterpretations and miscommunication to create confusion and erode public trust. It also emphasizes the need for government officials to exercise caution and refrain from making pronouncements without proper consultation and verification with the relevant authorities. The controversy surrounding the WASSCE results release date serves as a reminder of the sensitivity and significance of these examinations in the lives of students and the broader education system.
