The recent debate surrounding WAEC, BECE, WASSCE, and the Government of Ghana (GoG) has raised important questions about the future of our education system.
At the heart of the issue is the significant debt owed to WAEC by GoG, totaling GHC 340 million since 2022. While GoG covers the full cost of BECE and WASSCE registration for public school students, private school students bear their own costs.
As I've listened to the public discourse, I've identified key concerns that need to be addressed. Firstly, the focus on whether BECE will take place is misplaced; both BECE and WASSCE will proceed as scheduled. The real issue lies in the accumulation of debts and its impact on WAEC's ability to conduct credible examinations.
The quality of invigilation and supervision is crucial, and the current financial constraints undermine WAEC's capacity to ensure the integrity of the examination process. This has led to widespread exam fraud and collusion. To combat this, Eduwatch has suggested engaging non-GES staff as invigilators and supervisors. However, given the erratic budgetary regime, WAEC may be limited to relying on GES staff and public sector employees who are accustomed to delayed payments.
Furthermore, it's essential to question the economic sense of continuing to fund WASSCE for all students, regardless of their financial means. With pressing infrastructure and teaching and learning resource (TLR) needs, it's crucial to prioritize our spending. The cost of WASSCE per candidate is GHC 465, totaling GHC 180 million this year alone. Meanwhile, some senior high schools lack basic amenities like desks, beds, and decent cooking facilities.
The delayed payment of exam fees affects WAEC's ability to organize credible examinations, and the erratic budgetary regime hinders the implementation of reforms aimed at eliminating examination fraud. To ensure credible external assessments, we need consistent and strategic investment.
Let's shift the conversation from whether BECE will take place to addressing the root causes of the issues plaguing our education system. It's time to prioritize our spending, engage in open conversations, and find sustainable solutions to ensure the integrity and quality of our examinations.
Best practices worldwide dictate that examination fees should be settled before the exams take place, ensuring a seamless and credible process. However, we're facing significant challenges in Ghana.
For BECE (SC), the outstanding registration fees for 2023 amount to GHC 698,500.07, while the registration fees for 2024 total GHC 95,837,316.17, with only GHC 2,384,618.00 received as part payment, leaving a substantial balance of GHC 93,452,698.17.
Similarly, WASSCE has outstanding fees of GHC 9,972,341.21 for 2022 and GHC 56,515,333.20 for 2023, with registration fees for 2024 amounting to GHC 178,342,380.00.
The delayed payment of examination fees is a significant obstacle that undermines the integrity of our examinations. It's essential that we address this challenge to ensure students receive the quality education they deserve.
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