BECE Uncertainty as WAEC Struggles with Financial Constraints

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has announced that the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), slated for July 2024, may face cancellation due to severe funding challenges.

The council has expressed grave concerns over the government’s failure to release essential funds required for the preparation and administration of the exams. With the July 8, 2024, exam date fast approaching, time is running out to secure the necessary logistics.

The Director of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, in an interview with RGG News highlighted the urgency of the situation, stressing the need for immediate financial support to avoid disruption of the exams.

“For BECE, we still have an outstanding payment of ₵698,500, and then for the 2024 examination, we expect a total amount of ₵95,837,306 from the government,” he said.

He noted that so far, the council has received ₵2,284,618, leaving an outstanding balance of ₵93,552,688 needed for the exam.

He emphasised that the $2 million received is insufficient to facilitate the examination.

The Minority caucus on the Education Committee in parliament first raised the issue this week, calling for a payment schedule from the government.

Ranking Member on the Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, said he proposed to the Chairman of the Education Committee that they call for a meeting with the Finance Minister, the Minister for Education, and the national officer for WAEC to develop a roadmap for releasing funds.

He noted that this would enable WAEC to conduct the BECE and ensure they have the necessary financial resources to carry out their mandate.