The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) urgently requires nearly 98% of the GH¢95.83 million needed to organize the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). However, the council has so far received only GH¢2.3 million, raising concerns about the potential postponement of the exam.
As the examination dates draw near, the education sector eagerly anticipates a resolution to ensure the smooth execution of these vital exams. Sufficient funding and logistical support are crucial for WAEC to maintain its commitment to providing credible and fair assessments for students nationwide.
The BECE is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 8, and end on Monday, July 15, 2024, across all examination centers in the country. However, with only about GH¢2.3 million of the required GH¢95.83 million received so far, the start date for the 2024 BECE remains uncertain. WAEC has made it clear that at least 50% of the total amount is essential to commence the examinations, with additional funds necessary for processing and releasing the results.
John Kapi, the Head of Public Relations at WAEC, revealed in an interview with Graphic Online’s Severious Kale-Dery that despite some GH¢6 million being processed through the Government Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS), the funds have not yet materialized as actual cash. This delay in funding has cast a shadow of doubt over the timely conduct of the BECE.
According to Mr. Kapi, numerous suppliers had previously supplied essential materials such as bond paper, answer booklets, pencils, and other examination stationery on credit. However, due to WAEC’s outstanding debts, these suppliers are now reluctant to extend further credit for the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates in 2024.