The Conference of Heads of Private Second Cycle Schools (CHOPSS) has expressed its frustration over the delay in releasing the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for private school candidates. According to CHOPSS, this delay is unfair, as their students have paid the necessary registration fees.
“This situation is unacceptable because most universities in Ghana have their admission deadlines in January 2025,” CHOPSS said in a statement signed by its President, I.K. Mensah, Public Relations Officer, Naphtali A. Kyei-Baffour, and General Secretary, Joseph K. Dzamesi.
Reason for Delay
The West African Examination Council (WAEC) attributed the delay to a breakdown in scanners used to process objective test cards. WAEC further explained that it needs funds to repair the scanners. “Currently, we actually have a number of scanners, but due to lack of funds, we have not been able to service them as they break down. That’s what has led to the current situation,” said John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs.
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The council revealed that an outstanding balance of GH¢118 million owed by the Ministry of Education is required to complete the scanning process. Without these funds, WAEC cannot finalize the results for the candidates.
Impact on Private Schools
CHOPSS emphasized that the delay has caused significant distress to students and parents. “It must be noted that the government's failure to address this issue promptly is deeply unfair to private schools, parents, and students,” CHOPSS noted.
The group also highlighted its long-standing challenges, stating, “For eight years, we have been ignored and not considered worthy of participating in the free SHS policy. For eight years, our classrooms have been left virtually empty as parents are forced to make economic decisions in choosing a senior high school for their wards.”
CHOPSS is urging the government to urgently disburse the outstanding funds to WAEC to resolve the issue. “We, therefore, wish to call on the government as a matter of urgency to disburse any outstanding balance due to the council so that the results can be released immediately,” the statement added.
The delay in releasing the results is a critical issue as it directly impacts the future of students. Universities' admission deadlines are fast approaching, and without their WASSCE results, many students risk missing out on higher education opportunities.
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The 2024 WASSCE was conducted from August 5 to September 20, with 460,611 candidates participating.
For private schools, the issue represents yet another hurdle in their efforts to provide quality education amidst limited support. Both WAEC and the government are being called upon to resolve this matter promptly to ensure fairness for all stakeholders involved.
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