The Ministry of Education (MoE) has called on the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to ensure that information is verified before being made public, following conflicting statements regarding the release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.

Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister of Education, told journalists after a visit to WAEC offices on Tuesday that the results would be released by December 29, 2024. He explained that WAEC was finalising the marking process and working to ensure timely publication of the results.

However, WAEC disputed the Minister’s claim, clarifying that while a GHc25 million payment was made to the Council on December 18 to support operational activities, no assurance had been given regarding the release of results by the end of December. According to John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, the Council was still awaiting an additional GHc35 million from the Ministry to complete essential tasks, including fixing scanners and finalising the processing of objective test answer cards.

The Ministry later issued a statement confirming that WAEC had officially acknowledged receipt of the GHc25 million payment in a letter dated December 20. It also clarified that an additional GHc35 million had been requested and released to support the processing of results.

The Ministry expressed surprise at WAEC’s denial of the GHc25 million payment, despite official documentation confirming its receipt. The statement urged the WAEC PRO to verify facts internally before making public statements, stressing that misinformation could undermine the Ministry’s efforts.

In its statement, the Ministry also noted that it had disbursed a total of GHc167.9 million to WAEC since July 2024 to meet its financial obligations. It reassured the public that efforts were underway to ensure the timely release of the 2024 WASSCE results, urging calm as both parties work together on the matter.

Source:TheDotNews