The West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) says the impending Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), scheduled for July 2024, faces possible cancellation due to severe funding challenges.
The council has expressed grave concerns about the government’s failure to release critical funds needed for the preparation and administration of the exams.
As the July 8, 2024 exam date approaches, time is running out for the purchase of necessary logistics.
The Director of Public Affairs at WAEC has highlighted the urgency of the situation, stressing the need for immediate financial support to avoid disruption of the exams.
Speaking on Accra-based Joy FM, the Director of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, said, “For BECE, we still have an outstanding payment of ₵698,500, and then for the 2024 examination, we expect a total amount of ₵95,837,306 from the government.”
He noted that so far, the council has received ₵2,284,618, leaving an outstanding balance of ₵93,552,688 needed for the BECE.
He emphasised that the $2 million received is insufficient to facilitate the examination.
The Minority caucus on the Education Committee in Parliament first raised the issue this week, calling for a payment schedule from the government.
Ranking Member on the Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, revealed that he proposed to the Chairman of the Education Committee that they call for a meeting with the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Education, and the national officer for WAEC to develop a roadmap for releasing funds.
