WAEC Seeks Collaboration in Investigation of Withheld 2024 WASSCE Results

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a call for cooperation from candidates whose results for the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) have been withheld, along with their parents or guardians, as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected examination malpractices. The Council revealed that the investigation is in its final stages.

WAEC had previously withheld the subject results of certain candidates, a decision that was approved by the Ghana Examinations Committee during its 37th meeting. This move was made following the release of provisional results on December 30, 2024. At the time, the Council cited concerns regarding potential malpractice that required further scrutiny.

In an update, WAEC issued a statement signed by John Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs, to provide clarity on the current status of the investigation. According to the statement, the scrutiny of the affected candidates’ examination scripts has been completed, and the next step is to invite the candidates for face-to-face meetings with designated WAEC officials. These meetings, which are part of the final phase of the investigative process, are designed to give the candidates an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them. To ensure fairness and transparency, WAEC has made it clear that each candidate must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during these interactions.

During these meetings, the candidates will be given an opportunity to explain their side of the story and offer any supporting statements regarding the alleged malpractice. They will also have the chance to provide written responses, which will be considered as part of the investigation. WAEC emphasized that the entire process will be conducted with the utmost transparency and fairness, dismissing claims made by some parents that their children are being pressured or intimidated into writing statements.

The Council has made it clear that these meetings are intended to ensure a fair and impartial process for all involved parties. WAEC has reiterated that the candidates’ responses will be carefully reviewed before any final decisions are made about their results. The Council also expressed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process, which is a core principle of the organization. WAEC’s stance is that every candidate should be allowed to present their defense in a manner that respects their rights, as well as those of their guardians.

WAEC’s call for cooperation also includes an appeal for all affected candidates and their guardians to work closely with the investigation process. This cooperation, the Council explained, is critical to resolving the matter quickly and ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly. WAEC reassured all involved parties that it is committed to conducting the investigation with the highest levels of fairness and integrity, and that any decision made will be based on the facts and evidence available.

The withholding of results is not a decision WAEC takes lightly. The Council has emphasized that it is fully aware of the potential consequences for the affected students and their families, and that it is working diligently to resolve the matter in a timely manner. The aim is to ensure that the investigation is thorough, and that any students who have been unfairly penalized will have the opportunity to clear their names.

WAEC has also underscored the importance of the integrity of the examination process, which is fundamental to the credibility of the West African Examinations Council’s work. As the investigation moves toward its conclusion, the Council remains hopeful that cooperation from all parties will allow for a swift resolution of the matter.

WAEC continues to urge all affected candidates and their guardians to participate fully in the ongoing investigation, ensuring that the process is completed with fairness, transparency, and the necessary due diligence. This collaborative effort will help to protect the integrity of the examination system and ensure that any decisions made are in the best interest of the candidates involved.