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Tag: exams

  • GES releases funds for 2026 WASSCE practicals

    GES releases funds for 2026 WASSCE practicals

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released funds to all Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) across the country for the ongoing 2026 West African Examinations.

    This information was disclosed by the Head of Public Relations at GES, Daniel Fenyi, on Tuesday, April 21 through a press statement.

    The funds will cover the costs associated with the 2026 WASSCE practical examinations.

    The 2026 WASSCE which began on Tuesday, 21 April will come to a close on Friday, 19 June 2026.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service has announced that Ghana will rejoin the international WASSCE starting from the May/June 2026 examination cycle.

    In 2020, the Akufo-Addo-led administration introduced the “Ghana-only WASSCE” under the then Education Minister, Yaw Osei-Adutwum. In the last five years, Ghanaian Senior High School candidates sat a localized version of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, separate from the international May/June exams written by Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia.

    Also, it was reported that, due to COVID-19, which became a global plague, Ghana adjusted its exam calendar to fit its own reopening schedule for schools, which differed from other WAEC member countries.

    At the time, the government explained that the move was to deal with cross-border leakages of exam papers, which were undermining credibility. By isolating Ghana’s exam, they could better control distribution and monitoring.

    However, following the release of the 2025 provisional results by the education regulator, GES announced in a statement dated December 1, explaining facts surrounding the 2025 WASSCE results.

    The statement revealed that: “As Ghana moves away from the Ghana-only WASSCE introduced under the previous administration to take the international WASSCE, written by all West African member countries in May/June 2026…”

    Consequently, it urged candidates to adequately prepare for the exams in the coming year, as it seeks to adopt the necessary measures to uphold the integrity of the exams without compromise.

    “…the Management of GES admonishes students to prepare very well for the examination. Management of GES will not compromise the integrity of examinations. GES will continue to work closely with all stakeholders, heads of schools, teachers, students, parents, communities, Civil Society Organisations, and WAEC, to improve teaching and learning and the integrity of the examination,” parts of the statement read.

  • Upcoming licensure exams not affected by Education Minister’s statement – NTC tells candidates

    Upcoming licensure exams not affected by Education Minister’s statement – NTC tells candidates

    The National Teaching Council (NTC) has emphasized upcoming Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) will be conducted despite the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu’s recent announcement.

    However, NTC has insisted that GTLE is scheduled for Friday, July 18, to Sunday, July 20, will be held.

    In a Facebook post, the NTC wrote, “The Minister’s statement in this video does not in anyway affect the upcoming GTLE scheduled for Friday to Sunday.The new form of GTLE shall strictly commence with candidates who are about completing their academic courses. All 2025 registered candidates should take note and adhere to this notice”.

    The Minister of Education had issued a firm directive to conclude all pending processes related to the Teacher Licensure Examinations by August 30.

    Speaking at the swearing-in of the new board of the National Teaching Council, the Minister said it’s time to gradually halt the teacher licensing exams, which many have complained about, as part of bigger changes to how teachers are assessed and qualified.

    “There is still the vexed matter of teacher licensure exams. The last of it must be concluded not later than August 30,” he stated.

    This action, he noted, aligns with a promise made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the presidential election campaign in 2024.

    The directive includes a final resit window for candidates who previously failed, after which the licensure exam regime will be officially scrapped.

    “If there is a last opportunity for those who sat and could not make it, that process should not travel beyond 30th August,” Honourable Idrisu added.

    The Ministry is working with the NTC registrar to set a firm date for this final round.

    The GTLE was officially introduced in September 2018 by the NTC. The NTC is mandated by the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023) to conduct these exams as part of its licensing process

    But the outcomes of the 2023 GTLE revealed that a significant portion of candidates did not meet the required standards for licensure.

    According to statistics released by the NTC, 47.4% of the candidates, totaling 9,556 teachers, failed the examination.

    Out of the 20,181 candidates who participated, only 52.6% successfully met the licensure standards. The detailed breakdown of the results indicates that 10,625 teachers passed the exam. On the other hand, 892 candidates, constituting 4.4%, did not pass in any of the subjects.

    Further analysis of the results shows that 2,641 candidates (13.1%) passed in only one subject, while 6,023 candidates (29.8%) achieved success in two subjects.

    “The National Teaching Council (NTC) is set to release the results of the 2023 Ghana Teacher Licensure Examination (GTLE) 2&3 on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

    “Number of candidates: 20181, total pass: 10625 (52.6%), total fail: 9556 (47.4%), pass none: 892 (4.4%), Pass 1: 2641(13.1), Pass 2: 6023 (29.8%).”

    As a result Deputy Education Minister, Dr Clement Abas Apaak expressed his support for the President Mahama’s decision to review the nationwide teacher licensure examination.

    But the former Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. John Ntim Fordjour, was among those who strongly opposed former President John Mahama’s plan, describing him as a major threat to Ghana’s progress for making such a proposal.

    In response, Dr. Clement Apaak dismissed Fordjour’s comments, arguing that he and the former NPP government either fail to grasp the public’s concerns or are disconnected from reality.

    According to the Member of Parliament for Builsa South, various stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector are in favor of discontinuing the teacher licensure examination.

    Despite resistance from the government at the time, Dr. Apaak believed that the promises made by Mr Mahama were sensible, justified, and would be implemented.

    “JM is not opposed to examining teachers as a basis of certifying them as professionals. However, like teacher trainees and stakeholders in teacher training, JM is opposed to the current arrangement towards certification. His reasonable alternative is to make the examination towards professional certification a final-year compulsory course to be written alongside other final-year courses.”

    “In JM’s variant, when a teacher trainee passes all final year courses, including the course tailored to certify a trainee as a professional teacher, the trainee is given a licence. If the trainee passes all courses but fails the certification course, he/she doesn’t get a licence and would have to re-register the course and write it in his/her college as is the case with final year compulsory courses,” he added.

  • We are not relocating our headquarters to Nigeria – WAEC

    We are not relocating our headquarters to Nigeria – WAEC

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cleared the air regarding claims that it plans to relocate its headquarters from Ghana to Nigeria.

    Recent reports suggest that the government’s outstanding debt to WAEC is sparking discussions about a possible relocation, as the debt is impacting their operations.

    WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, John Kapi, has dismissed these claims as false and urged the public to disregard the rumor.”

    “There hasn’t been any discussion in this direction. So the law that established WAEC indicates that the headquarters of the WAEC will be situated here in Accra.

    “Ever since there has not been any change to that. So, I guess that we cannot confirm that we have not had any such discussions and there are no plans as such.”

    Last month, WAEC’s Head of Public Relations warned that the release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results could be delayed due to an outstanding debt owed by the government.

    Initially, WAEC had anticipated releasing the results between December 9 and 15.

    However, Mr Kapi pointed out that the financial shortfall, particularly regarding the funds required for the marking and processing stages, may disrupt this schedule.

    In a conversation with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr Kapi explained that while the government had provided initial funds to support the exams, it has not yet delivered the additional payments needed to complete the post-examination procedures.

    Despite multiple meetings and assurances, the promised funds have not materialized, putting WAEC in a difficult situation as it prepares for the marking process.

    “Before the exam started, we indicated that the government had given us money to be able to conduct the examination, and the assurances were that once the exam was over, more releases would be made so that we would be able to go ahead with our post-examination activities.

    “But as we speak, despite meetings that have been held, we still have not had any money hitting our account yet, and so our fear is that this would jeopardize the marking exercise,” he stated.

    “…The amount for the WASSCE school candidates for 2024 was GH¢186,437,617.50. So, let’s say just about GH¢186 million. We received about GH¢60.9 million to commence the examination. We were looking at the second week of December, so at least between the 9th and the 15th of December, we are sure that we will be able to release the results.

    “But as we speak, lack of funds could jeopardize this and could make us move the release date forward,” Kapi stated.

  • Over 500,000 students to participate in 2024 BECE exams today

    Today, Monday, July 8, 569,095 candidates will sit for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) at 2,123 designated centres nationwide.

    The exams will conclude on Monday, July 15, 2024.

    In a statement released on Sunday, July 7, by Casandra Twum Ampofo, the management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) commended the candidates for their dedication and perseverance.

    GES also extended its appreciation to teachers, school heads, directors of education, parents, guardians, and all stakeholders for their vital contributions in preparing the candidates for the exams.

    “Candidates, invigilators, supervisors, school authorities, teachers, and parents are advised to avoid any form of examination malpractice. GES, WAEC, and the security services are working jointly to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations at all centres across the country,” the statement said.

    Additionally, it informed parents, candidates, and the general public that the school selection process will begin after the BECE, with details to be provided later.

  • Your GHC47m can only organise exams – WAEC to gov’t

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has revealed that it will not be able to settle all outstanding debts ahead of the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) due to outstanding arrears owed by the government.

    Despite the release of over 47 million cedis by the Finance Ministry to defray part of the approximately 90 million cedis owed to the examination body, WAEC spokesperson John Kapi stated that the amount released will be used to address priority items on its scale of preference.

    Mr Kapi explained that while some answer booklets have been printed and pencils and bond paper purchased, the debtors will not be paid, although the examination will proceed as planned.

    This revelation comes after WAEC clarified that it only received GH¢47.125 million from the government, contrary to the GH¢80 million announced in Parliament by the Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.

    Annoh-Dompreh had stated that the Ministry of Finance released GH¢80 million to the council, but Kapi clarified that it was GH¢47.125 million that was received and that the amount had been processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS), awaiting translation into actual cash.

    The inability to settle all debts underscores the financial challenges faced by WAEC and highlights the impact of government arrears on the operations of key institutions.

    Despite these challenges, WAEC remains committed to conducting the BECE in accordance with its mandate, ensuring that students are able to take their examinations as scheduled.

  • BECE 2024: WAEC extends exam period to 6 days

    BECE 2024: WAEC extends exam period to 6 days

    Final-year Junior High School (JHS) students nationwide are set to encounter a revised Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) this year, following an announcement by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) introducing three new subjects.

    The fresh subjects comprise Career Technology, Creative Art & Design, and Arabic.

    Notably, Career Technology and Creative Art & Design stem from the previous Basic Design and Technology (BDT) curriculum and are obligatory for all BECE candidates.

    Arabic, however, emerges as an elective subject exclusively for candidates enrolled in Islamic basic schools.

    In response to these curriculum updates, the 2024 BECE will extend to six days from the customary five, starting on Monday, July 8, 2024, and concluding the following Monday, July 15, 2024.

    The inclusion of these subjects reflects ongoing endeavors to enrich the educational syllabus and offer students a broader spectrum of learning avenues.

    Moreover, it underscores educational authorities’ dedication to adapting to evolving educational requisites and ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of students’ knowledge and competencies.

  • Checkout the 3 new subjects added to BECE

    Checkout the 3 new subjects added to BECE


    Final-year Junior High School (JHS) students across the country will encounter three new subjects in the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates.

    These newly introduced subjects are Career Technology, Creative Art and Design, and Arabic. Career Technology and Creative Art and Design, derived from the former Basic Design and Technology (BDT) course, will be compulsory for all candidates, as stated by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

    However, Arabic will be an elective subject for candidates attending Islamic basic schools.

    Extended Examination Duration

    Due to the inclusion of these new subjects, the 2024 examination period has been extended to six days from the previous five.

    The examination will commence on Monday, July 8, 2024, and conclude on the following Monday, July 15, 2024.

    Providing further details on the 2024 examination, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, informed the Daily Graphic that new subjects could be introduced at any time, as the BECE is uniquely Ghanaian, allowing the government to determine the curriculum content.

    Mr. Kapi mentioned that candidate registration had recently concluded, and WAEC was now finalizing the breakdown of candidates writing each subject. He assured that WAEC was fully prepared for the examination, with all related meetings concluded and sample questions distributed to schools and posted on the council’s website.

    Regarding Arabic, Mr. Kapi noted that this was the first time the subject would be examined at the BECE. He described Arabic as an elective subject, available for candidates who felt proficient in it and sought certification.

    Timetable

    According to the official timetable released by WAEC, English Language and Religious and Moral Education will be written on Monday, July 8, 2024. On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, candidates will sit for Science and Computing, previously known as Information, Communication and Technology (ICT), followed by Social Studies and Creative Art and Design on Wednesday.

    Mathematics and Ghanaian Language examinations are scheduled for Thursday, July 11, 2024, while French and Career Technology will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024.

    Arabic will be examined on Monday, July 15, 2024.

    Before the BECE registration, the Ghana Education Service outlined the mandatory subjects as English Language, Mathematics, General Science, Social Studies, Religious and Moral Education, Career Technology, and Creative Art and Design.

    Ghanaian languages were categorized as elective subjects, with French, Arabic, and Computing listed as optional subjects.

    Curriculum

    This year’s BECE candidates will be the first cohort to sit the examination under the Common Core Curriculum. Consequently, WAEC stated that school and private candidates would be assessed differently due to the curriculum’s implementation.

    The curriculum aims to enhance learning experiences and shift learners from rote learning to acquiring critical learning skills.

  • 70% fees before exams must be reviewed – KNUST students petition management

    70% fees before exams must be reviewed – KNUST students petition management

    A group of students from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have raised concerns regarding the institution’s “70% fees before exams” policy.

    Initially implemented to ensure fee commitment from students for the academic year, this policy has sparked discontent among the student body.

    The university management recently issued a notice stipulating that continuing students must settle 70% of their academic fees before being permitted to sit for first-semester examinations.

    Additionally, first-year students are required to clear their fees in full before taking their exams.

    This decision has provoked backlash from some students who view it as a breach of their rights outlined in the university regulations.

    They argue that the mandated 70% fee payment poses a disadvantage, particularly for financially unstable students.

    A petition, obtained by JoyNews, called for a revision of the fee payment structure.

    “As we wait and breathe, let us consider the crucial role universities play in shaping character, upholding values, and advancing academic research to enhance policy development and livelihoods in this country and beyond. KNUST, as a semi-autonomous institution, has been exemplary in respecting students’ rights and supporting those from less privileged backgrounds, through its policy of admitting students from less privileged backgrounds and providing scholarships to support them, the university aims to assist those who are economically disadvantaged,” parts of the statement read.

    The petitioners advocate for allowing students to pay 50% of their fees in the first semester, with the remainder due before the commencement of second-semester exams.

    “The university’s student guide underscores the freedom for students to pursue their educational aspirations, with adequate learning opportunities provided.
    However, we wish to draw attention to the current academic fee payment structure. According to the university policy, students must settle at least 70% of their fees before sitting for end-of-semester exams. As articulated in the statement of student rights Clause eight section B, students have the right to petition the university regarding concerns and propose amendments to regulations and policies.

    “Therefore, we urge all stakeholders to review the fee payment structure, possibly allowing students to pay 50% of their fees in the first semester and the remainder before the second semester exams begin. We trust that the university management will consider this plea, recognizing the challenges faced by ordinary Ghanaians striving to improve their circumstances through education in order to change the status quo not just for days, but forever. Education is a Right, not a Privilege, we write to oppose the “70% fees before exams” policy,” the statement added.

    In response, the KNUST Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Yvonne Osei Adobea, has indicated intentions to engage in negotiations with the university management to reconsider this directive.

  • Ghana outshines Nigeria and three other countries in 2023 WASSCE rankings

    Ghana outshines Nigeria and three other countries in 2023 WASSCE rankings

    In a remarkable achievement, three Ghanaian students have clinched the top spots in the recently concluded West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for the year 2023.

    Out of a staggering 2,327,342 candidates from the five member countries, these students emerged as the overall best performers, earning accolades from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Freetown, Sierra Leone.


    A former student of St James Seminary, Amo-Kodieh L.K Marton, secured the prestigious 1st position, while Dzandu Selorm, previously of Labone Senior High School (SHS), claimed the 2nd position.

    Notably, both individuals are pursuing studies in Medicine at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).


    Adding to the Ghanaian triumph, Daniel Asenso-Gyambibi, another alumnus of St James Seminary SHS, currently attending Ashesi University, clinched the 3rd position, further solidifying Ghana’s dominance in the rankings.

  • WASSCE 2024 to begin August 5

    WASSCE 2024 to begin August 5

    The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially rescheduled the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), shifting the examination period from August 5 to September 27.

    This alteration deviates from the previously announced timeframe of July 1 to August 31, 2024.

    Concurrently, the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) remains scheduled for July 8 to July 12.

    In a circular dated March 12, 2024, addressed to regional directors, the acting Director of the Schools and Instructions Division of GES, Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, communicated the revised WASSCE date.

    The communication emphasized the need for all senior high school (SHS) heads to acknowledge and prepare candidates accordingly for the updated examination period.

    This new schedule supersedes the earlier one and aims to provide candidates with ample time for preparation.

    While no official reason was provided for the date change, sources suggest it is to ensure candidates are adequately prepared for the examination.

    Head of Public Affairs at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), John Kapi, confirmed that Ghana would proceed with the Ghana Only Version of the WASSCE-SC due to the shift in dates.

    This marks the third time Ghanaian candidates will sit for the WASSCE-SC exclusively, as other WAEC member countries—Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia—have reverted to their traditional May/June examination calendar post-COVID-19.

    Mr Kapi clarified misconceptions surrounding the Ghana Only Version, emphasizing that it adheres to the same rigorous standards as the examination administered in other WAEC member countries.

    The examination process, content compilation, and grading standards remain unchanged, ensuring parity with international standards.

    Despite the adjustment in the examination schedule, Mr Kapi affirmed that WAEC remains committed to releasing results promptly to facilitate students’ transition to tertiary institutions.

    “It is just that we have decided to push ours further so that our students are able to make time for it to be able to write and write it well,” he explained.

    “We usually have a timetable after examinations.

    So, obviously yes.

    Yes, I believe so,” he added.

    Additionally, he noted that registration for the WASSCE-SC commenced on March 11 and will conclude on April 19, 2024.

  • Provisional results of 37,825 WASSCE private candidates released

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has unveiled the preliminary outcomes of the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates – Second Series, indicating a total of 37,825 participants.

    Among the candidates were 17,389 males, 20,725 females, and an additional 16 visually impaired candidates.

    However, 1,231 registered candidates were reported absent during the examination.

    In a statement released in Accra and signed by John Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, it was disclosed that the results of 289 candidates were withheld due to allegations of involvement in various forms of examination malpractice, including collusion, impersonation, and bringing unauthorized materials into the examination hall.

    The release of these results is subject to the conclusion of investigations into the reported cases of malpractice.

    WAEC cautioned against scammers attempting to deceive candidates with promises of result upgrades for a fee payable through mobile money transfers.

    Candidates were reminded of the secure protection of WAEC’s results database, and all results can be authenticated.

    Institutions and organizations were advised to verify results directly from WAEC through the official website or utilize the online confirmation/verification service.

    The Council expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the examination, including school heads, supervisors, invigilators, and examiners.

  • Some 2023 WASSCE candidates accused of using AI in exam, results withheld

    Some 2023 WASSCE candidates accused of using AI in exam, results withheld

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has provided clarification regarding the withholding of certain results from the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

    In an announcement on Monday, December 18, WAEC stated that subject results from 235 schools are under scrutiny due to candidates employing answers generated by artificial intelligence.

    In addition to this, subject results for 4,280 candidates and the entire results for 1,005 candidates are being withheld due to suspected offenses.

    The examination body has annulled the subject results of 3,647 candidates who introduced foreign materials, such as prepared notes, textbooks, and printed materials, into the examination halls.

    Furthermore, the results of 839 candidates have been invalidated for possessing mobile phones during the examinations.

    Decisions approved during the 35th meeting of the Ghana Examinations Committee on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, include:

    1. Cancellation of Subject Results for 3,647 candidates who brought foreign materials into the examination halls.
    2. Cancellation of Entire Results for 839 candidates caught with mobile phones in the examination halls.
    3. Withholding of Subject Results for 4,280 candidates and Entire Results for 1,005 candidates for various suspected offenses, including collusion and the use of AI-generated answers.

    WAEC has also taken measures against 4,878 candidates by blocking their results for failing to return learning support materials provided by their respective schools. Candidates affected by this action are advised to contact their schools for further guidance.

    Check below for full details:

    Read the statement by WAEC below

    RELEASE OF PROVISIONAL RESULTS FOR THE WEST AFRICAN SENIOR SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION (WASSCE FOR SCHOOL CANDIDATES, 2023

    The West African Examinations Council wishes to inform its numerous stakeholders that it has released provisional results of candidates who sat for the WASSCE for School Candidates, 2023 (Ghana Only Version). The Council will make available login details to heads of school to enable them access the results of their candidates.

    The results have been hosted online and candidates who so desire may access their results at the Council’s website www.waecgh.org.

    The results of 4,878 candidates have been blocked for failing to return learning support materials supplied to them by their schools. Such candidates are to contact their schools.

    The Council would like to caution all its stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for a fee. Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated using its results verification system. The WAEC QR code can be downloaded and used to verify results.

    PERFORMANCE STATISTICS
    A total number of 448,674 candidates made up of 212,453 males and 236,221 females from 975 schools entered for the examination. This figure is 5.8% higher than the 2022 entry figure of 422,883. A total number of 3,404 (0.75%) were absent from the examination.

    The performance of candidates with respect to the four Core Subjects is shown in the tables below.

  • Communities in Zabzugu receive mechanised boreholes from Deputy Chief of Staff

    Communities in Zabzugu receive mechanised boreholes from Deputy Chief of Staff

    Communities in the Zabzugu constituency of the Northern Region have received mechanised boreholes from Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Alhaji Fawaz Aliu.

    The donation was given in response to chiefs and elders’ requests for assistance in addressing the shortage of drinkable water in various areas in the constituency.

    The community, represented by the chiefs and other opinion leaders, expressed their gratitude to Alhaji Aliu for the generous gesture and promised to put the boreholes to good use.

    Speaking to the media, the residents recalled previous activities he had undertaken to help the people in the constituency.

    According to sources, Alhaji Aliu, who was named Deputy Chief of Staff by President Nana Akufo-Addo in January 2021, will run for the Zabzugu parliamentary seat on the NPP ticket.

    According to reports, Alhaji Aliu has huge support from the chiefs, women, and youth in the area as a result of his multiple interventions in the constituency’s development.

    He has endeared himself to several other key political blocs in the Northern Region throughout the years after attaining the presidency.

    It is unclear whether the senior three-time incumbent MP will still run for the seat against the younger, more dynamic, and development-minded Fawaz Aliu.

  • 2023 WASSCE questions to be serialised

    The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has announced that it will be serialising certain questions in the 2023 West African Senior High School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to combat exam malpractices.

    The council believes that this measure will help maintain the integrity of the exam.

    Under the serialisation process, candidates in the same exam hall will receive the same question, but with different question numbers.

    The subjects selected for serialisation are those considered to be high stake and crucial, as they are less prone to compromise.

    John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at the Council, emphasized that the structure of the questions remains unchanged, and serialisation is part of their trade secret to ensure fairness and security.

    He clarified that this move is not meant to unduly punish anyone but rather safeguard the integrity of the exam.

    “Serialisation is not anything that is landing from space. Besides nothing has changed about the structure of the questions. It is just that we have serialised some of them. It is our trade secret, and we want to maintain that. We are not unduly punishing anybody, it is the same question just that there is some serialisation. There are some of these papers that are high stake and so for those high stake papers we would want to serialise them.”

    “Secondly it is a very expensive venture to get into, it is time-consuming and all of that. And so we concentrate more on the high stake papers and then there are a few of them that we consider as low risk, and so we don’t serialise those ones,” he said.

    Due to the cost and time-consuming nature of the process, WAEC will focus on serialising high stake papers while considering some subjects as low risk, and therefore not requiring serialisation.

    In total, 447,204 candidates from 975 schools are expected to sit for this year’s WASSCE.

  • WAEC receives GHS50.5M for BECE and WASSCE exams

    WAEC receives GHS50.5M for BECE and WASSCE exams

    The government has allocated GH¢50.5 million to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for the smooth execution of the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

    Of this amount, GH¢40 million is dedicated to the successful conduct of WASSCE, covering approximately 30 percent of the total expenses required for the exams.

    Additionally, GH¢10.5 million has been set aside for the BECE, which represents almost 15 percent of the necessary funds for its smooth administration.

    In response to concerns about exam security, WAEC has taken several measures. They have increased the number of depots for exam papers, reducing the distance from these depots to the examination centers (schools).

    Moreover, question papers will not be released until 45 minutes before the start of the examinations, minimizing the chances of leaks.

    WAEC has also made improvements to the depots to ensure they are secure and cannot be accessed illegally. All depots must have concrete structures or metal-grade ceilings to fortify them against unauthorized entry.

    The WASSCE began with Visual Arts practicals, while the BECE for both school and private candidates will take place from August 7 to 11. Subsequently, the General Business Certificate Examination and Advanced Business Certificate Examination will start from August 21.

    To ensure credibility and reduce malpractice, all examination officials will undergo comprehensive briefings throughout the country.

    WAEC has also conducted sensitization programs in various schools to educate students on exam preparation and what is expected of them during the exams.

    The Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Wendy Addy-Lamptey, emphasized that credible examinations are a collective responsibility, and all stakeholders, including headteachers, GES officials, depot keepers, and security agencies, must play their part in ensuring fair and credible exams.

    To enhance monitoring, WAEC will engage monitoring agents who have received training to complement their own staff in effectively covering all examination centers.

    “This time around, we do not accept depots with ceilings. All depots must have either concrete or if they don’t have concrete, then we will do a metal grade on the ceiling to fortify them so that nobody can enter through the ceiling.

    “Again, we are not going to move our question papers in bulk to the depots; they would be moved in bits so that at any time, the question papers that are needed for a particular week or few days would be the only papers that are at the depots,” Mrs Addy-Lamptey explained.

    Schools that have been involved in institutional cheating have been cautioned and, where necessary, faced sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others considering engaging in syndicate cheating.

    The HNO warned candidates and the public about rogue websites and WhatsApp platforms that claim to provide WAEC confirmed topics. These are fraudulent websites, and candidates are advised not to download any material or share their telephone numbers on such platforms.

    WAEC is taking the necessary steps to ensure the smooth and credible conduct of the examinations and seeks the cooperation of all stakeholders in this endeavor.

  • Student in Mauritania charged with blasphemy over exam

    Student in Mauritania charged with blasphemy over exam

    Reports by the state media, says that the Mauritanian government has accused a secondary school student of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad.

    According to the AMI news agency, Maria Cheikh Abdallahi Obed has been charged with a crime that carries a death penalty and is being investigated by the prosecutor’s office in Nouakchott, the country’s capital.

    A statement from the prosecution, said a baccalaureate exam paper that was allegedly deemed offensive to Islam had been found in a testing facility in the northwestern town of Atar.

    The document also stated that a probe helped identify the culprit and apprehend her.

    According to AMI, the prosecutor accused Ms. Obed of “mocking and insulting the prophet” and of “using social media to harm Islamic sanctuaries.”

    The country’s religious authorities ruled that those found guilty of insulting the Prophet Muhammad should receive the death penalty, which led to the official announcement of the arrest.

    Last week, when President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani demanded that clerics make clear their position on blasphemy, the Mauritanian Council of Islamic Scholars released an edict on the subject.

    When someone was found guilty in court of insulting the prophet, the council defended the imposition of the death penalty.

    On July 21, the suspect’s family issued a statement through the Al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper in which they claimed their relative had a mental disorder and begged for pardon from the public.

  • GNAT reacts to ‘unprecedented’ teacher licensure exam failure

    GNAT reacts to ‘unprecedented’ teacher licensure exam failure

    The General Secretary of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), Thomas Musah, has emphasized the importance of identifying the loopholes that contributed to the mass failure in this year’s Teacher Licensure Examination.

    He believes that addressing these issues is crucial to prevent similar problems from arising in the future.

    He said this could be achieved by bringing all stakeholders together to have a national dialogue on the matter.

    “This is a national crisis, and for us at GNAT, it is about time we have a national dialogue about this matter because we cannot leave this matter in the hands of the National Teaching Council alone,” he said.

    “We believe that by bringing all stakeholders together and identifying the gaps, we will be able to find a lasting solution to this problem, and we will not be here again. By next year, we would have been able to solve the problem, even if not all of it, I believe that 60 to 70 percent would have been corrected.”

    Mr. Musah noted that the results were very disturbing and signalled the need for urgent action to be taken.

    In an interview with the media, Mr. Musah also expressed concern that if the situation was not addressed, it could affect the country’s human capital in the next 18 years.

    He said the failure would make it impossible for the Ghana Education Service to employ the teachers, which could lead to teacher shortages.

    “It also means that the over 6,000 who failed cannot be employed by the Ghana Education Service specifically, and it also raises concerns about investment because some of these teachers were sponsored by giving them trainee allowance, and they have failed,” he added.

  • 2022 private WASSCE results released

    2022 private WASSCE results released

    Results for 43,742 private candidates who participated in the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) have been released.

    This was announced by the West African Examination Council (WAEC).

    WAEC disclosed that the entry figure is composed of 20,164 males and 23,578 females. 76 of the candidates also had visual impairment and 2 had a hearing impairment.

    901 candidates also had their results withheld for engaging in alleged examination malpractices.

    The Council cautioned members of the public to be on the alert for scammers who may contact candidates with the promise of upgrading their results for a fee payable through mobile money transfers.

  • Reports: Mass failure in Tanzania law school exams

    Following reports that only 26 out of 633 students at the law school passed exams, representing a 4.1% success rate, lawyers in Tanzania have expressed worry, according to the Mwananchi news site.

    Some 342 students were being told to resit exams, while 265 others were discontinued altogether.

    Graduates from various universities have to pass the examination at the law school in order to be admitted to the bar.

    The poor performance has been blamed on poor standards at universities, the law school’s administrators are quoted as saying.

    Previous years had also seen a drop in performance but this year’s results were the worst in recent times.

     

  • Stranded BECE candidates resort to canoes to write exams in Saboba District

    The fate of over 200 candidates who will be beginning their Basic Education Certificate Examinations on Monday, September 14 have resorted to using canoes to cross to Saboba to write their examinations.

    This is because torrential rains within the week have swamped the bridges on river Jamboabo, making it impassable to the district capital.

    While the brave ones are daring with canoes on river Jamboabo after Wapuli community, there is the likelihood that some may not join for fear of getting drown with the canoes.

    In all 1,662 candidates made up 885 boys and 777 girls from 39 Junior High Schools in Saboba District are writing the examinations this year.

    Mr. George Kitingyaab Bingrini the Saboba District Chief Executive announced this at the bank of Jamboabo River to monitor the crossing of candidates by canoe.

    Some of the Schools include; Kpalba EP, Demon D.A, Namongbalni D.A, Wapuli D.A, Yankazia S.D.A, Wapuli R/C, Ogando D.A, Boakol S.D.A Junior High Schools amongst others.

    Mr Bingrini said it was the first time they had such floods in the District and the Assembly had to arrange for canoes to use to cross some of the candidates whose communities were affected to enable them get to Saboba the examination centre.

    He said although it was frustrating the candidates had to go through the waters to join the canoes and wished them good luck in their exams.

    He said the Yendi to Saboba through the Kpalba steel bridge was awarded on contract to a contractor but because of the floods he could not start work.

    Mr. Jumah Yakubu the Saboba District Coordinating Director who accompanied the District Chief Executive said the Assembly had to buy large quantity of Live Jackets for the candidates to wear and cross river Jamboabo to ensure their safety of the candidates.

    Master John Jagri , a candidate told the GNA that although it was dangerous with the canoes, they had no other option than to use it.

    Two vehicles, a Benz bus and a cargo truck which tried to cross the river through the Bailey bridge got stuck in the flood and would remain there until the water subsides.

    Source: GNA

  • ATU students sign petition to ensure they dont write exams on campus

    A statement released on Monday, July 20, 2020, outlined the schedule for the continuation of lectures and examination for continuing students of the Accra Technical University.

    The statement outlined that students were going to have online lectures and subsequently report to campus to write exams where all protocol for the COVID-19 will be observed.

    The students, however, are of the view that writing exams physically might not be the best for them.

    They cite the increase in cases, pressure on the medical staff, limited access to testing kits among other reasons to explain why it is prudent for ATU to use the online exams option like other universities.

    Source: kuulpeeps.com