WAEC Refutes Claims of Relocating Headquarters to Nigeria Due to Government Debt

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially debunked circulating rumours claiming that it is planning to move its headquarters from Accra, Ghana, to Nigeria. These rumours stemmed from recent media reports that suggested the Ghanaian government’s financial struggles, including its alleged indebtedness to WAEC, were having a significant negative impact on the organisation’s operations. This purported financial strain was said to have triggered discussions about the possibility of relocating the headquarters. However, WAEC has swiftly and categorically refuted these claims.

In a statement issued by the Head of Public Relations for WAEC, John Kapi, the organisation clarified that there had been no such plans or discussions about moving its base to Nigeria. He emphasised that the claims were unfounded and had no basis in truth. “There hasn’t been any discussion in this direction,” Kapi stated, underscoring the absence of any official talks regarding the relocation. He further highlighted that WAEC’s founding laws, which were established when the organisation was created, clearly stipulate that the headquarters would remain in Accra, Ghana.

Kapi pointed out that there has been no amendment or change to this stipulation, reaffirming that the headquarters is set to stay in its current location. According to him, the reports suggesting a move were merely speculative and unsubstantiated. “So, the law that established WAEC indicates that the headquarters of the organisation will be situated here in Accra,” Kapi explained, reiterating the legal framework that governs the council’s operations.

The rumours about WAEC’s potential relocation gained traction amid concerns over the financial health of the organisation, which, according to some reports, was being negatively affected by the Ghanaian government’s outstanding debts to WAEC. These reports suggested that the organisation was struggling to fulfil its mandate due to financial constraints. However, WAEC’s spokesperson was quick to dispel the notion that these financial challenges were severe enough to warrant such drastic measures as relocating its headquarters.

While the government’s financial obligations to WAEC have occasionally been a topic of concern, Kapi made it clear that such issues had not reached a level where the council would consider relocating its headquarters. He stated, “We cannot confirm that we have had any such discussions, and there are no plans for such a move.”

WAEC’s operations are crucial in administering examinations for students across West Africa, and the council’s headquarters in Accra has long been seen as the central hub for coordinating these activities. The speculation regarding the headquarters’ relocation has raised concerns about potential disruptions to the organisation’s activities, but WAEC’s clarification should allay any fears.

The West African Examinations Council, established in 1952, is an important regional body that oversees the conduct of examinations in member states, which include Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Liberia, and other countries in the region. The organisation plays a vital role in the educational systems of these countries, providing examinations that are recognised for academic and professional purposes.

WAEC’s clarification on the matter comes as a relief to stakeholders who were concerned about the potential impact of such a move on the examination process. By addressing the rumours, WAEC has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its operations as usual in Accra, dispelling any doubts about the stability of the organisation and its future plans.

In conclusion, while the financial challenges facing WAEC have been acknowledged, the claim that the council is planning to relocate its headquarters to Nigeria has been firmly rejected. WAEC has reassured the public that no such decision has been made and that the headquarters will remain in Accra as per the regulations set out at the time of its establishment.