Court Denies WAEC's Request to Withhold WASSCE Results, Orders Immediate Release

The Accra High Court has delivered a landmark ruling, rejecting the West African Examinations Council’s (WAEC) request to delay the release of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for thousands of students. WAEC had previously withheld the results of approximately 10,000 candidates from various subjects, citing alleged instances of examination malpractice and irregularities. This decision, which had left students in a state of uncertainty, was made public on December 30, 2024.

In response, four students representing the group of affected candidates took legal action against WAEC, arguing that the decision to withhold the results was unjust. On January 30, 2025, the Accra High Court ruled in favor of the students, ordering that WAEC release the results without attaching any unfavorable notes or conditions. The court found that WAEC’s reasons for withholding the results were insufficient and vague, failing to meet the necessary legal criteria to justify such an action.

On February 20, 2025, during a hearing, Judge Justice Ali Baba Abature dismissed WAEC’s request to postpone the execution of the ruling. WAEC had hoped to delay compliance, but the court maintained that the examination body had not demonstrated adequate justification for withholding the results. The judge reiterated that the council’s explanations for the delay were inconsistent and unclear, and that keeping the results back indefinitely could severely harm the academic and professional future of the affected students.

In addition to the ruling, the court imposed a fine of GHS 5,000 on WAEC for the delays and the disruption caused to the affected students. This fine adds to the growing sense of accountability that the court has imposed on WAEC, ensuring that the examination body faces repercussions for its actions. The decision provides a huge relief to the students, many of whom were left in limbo, uncertain about their next steps. For many of the affected individuals, this delay in results had a profound impact, as some were awaiting their results for university admissions, while others were hoping to secure job opportunities.

The court’s ruling represents a major triumph for the students who had been anxiously awaiting resolution. The ruling mandates WAEC to comply with the court order and release the results without any further delays, allowing the students to proceed with their academic and career aspirations. With the court dismissing WAEC’s request to withhold the results, the examination body is now compelled to release the withheld results immediately. This ruling has come as a huge relief to students who had been anxiously waiting for closure and clarity regarding their educational futures.

The court’s decision is seen as a significant moment for the students who have been fighting for their rights. Their legal action has now ensured that WAEC cannot indefinitely withhold their results, and the ruling will allow the students to move forward without any further hindrances to their educational or professional plans. It also underscores the importance of legal recourse for individuals and groups who feel they have been unfairly treated or have had their opportunities compromised.

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of examination malpractices and the importance of fair and transparent processes in handling student results. While the need to maintain the integrity of examinations is undeniable, this ruling emphasizes that any action taken by examination bodies must be based on clear and consistent evidence. Students must not be subjected to undue delays or uncertainty, particularly when it comes to matters that affect their future educational and career opportunities.

The decision has been hailed as a significant step toward justice and fairness in Ghana’s education system, ensuring that students’ rights are upheld and that they are not unfairly penalized. As the examination body now complies with the court order, the affected students can finally breathe a sigh of relief and continue pursuing their academic and professional goals without further hindrance.

This ruling has also captured the attention of the public, highlighting the need for accountability within the education sector, and serves as a reminder of the power of the legal system in ensuring that institutions operate fairly and transparently. The court’s intervention has been critical in safeguarding the rights of students and ensuring that they are not unfairly disadvantaged.