Funding Crisis Threatens 2024 BECE Exams in Ghana
The 2024 Certificate of Basic Education (BECE) is uncertain due to financial problems and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has expressed concern over delayed payments. Despite assurances from the government, WAEC is struggling to prepare and conduct exams without the necessary resources. The situation is dire because WAEC owed $698,500 for the previous exams and is demanding an additional $95,837,306 for the 2024 exams.
However, the government paid only $2,284,618, leaving a significant shortfall of $93,552,688. This has raised concerns about WAEC's ability to conduct the July 2024 examinations as scheduled. A minority group in Parliament's education committee has called for a payment plan to solve the problem and is calling on the government to act immediately. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, a ranking member of the Education Committee, emphasized the need for financial resources for the preparation of both the July BECE and the August WASSCE.
He offered to meet with the Finance Minister, Education Minister and WAEC officials to discuss a solution. However, the vice chairman of the commission, Dr. Prince Hamidu Armah, downplayed the urgency, citing similar financial problems in previous years as the reason. He noted that the government has paid more than $80 million for BECE in 2023 and has already paid $2.5 million plus $6 million in 2024. Despite this, he admitted that a payment plan was needed to ensure the smooth running of the exams.
The education funding crisis is symptomatic of a wider problem - high inflation, which was 23.1% in May 2024. The government has been called on to take immediate and concrete action to tackle the problem, which is not limited to schools. in the education sector, but also in the health sector. The situation underlines the need for a secure educational funding mechanism to ensure the stability of the degree system.
The government must prioritize education and take concrete steps to solve the financial crisis. The future of Ghana's youth depends on it. In conclusion, the 2024 BECE examinations are in jeopardy due to financial problems and urgent action is needed to remedy the situation. Government, WAEC and stakeholders must work together to find a solution that prioritizes the education and welfare of Ghanaian youth. The future of the country depends on it..
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