The Ministry of Education (MoE) has called on the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to confirm facts internally before making statements that could mislead the public or undermine the Ministry's efforts.

This follows a controversy over assurances given by Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum regarding the release of the 2024 WASSCE results.

During a visit to WAEC offices on Tuesday, Dr. Adutwum assured journalists that results would be published by December 29, citing efforts to finalise the marking process.

However, WAEC's PRO, John Kapi, refuted the claim, stating that the council had not received the additional funds necessary to complete the results processing.

“Without any formal meeting with WAEC management, he addressed the media, assuring them that results would be released by December 29. Apart from a GHS 25 million cheque issued on December 18, no further releases have been made from the outstanding GHS 118 million,” said Kapi.

WAEC clarified that it awaits an additional GHS 35 million to repair scanners, scan test answer cards, and process results.

Ministry's Clarification

In response, the Ministry of Education issued a statement on Thursday, December 26, confirming the payment of GHS 25 million to WAEC on December 18, as acknowledged in a letter from WAEC’s Head of National Office (Ref. No. HNO/GES/MOE/VOL.28/156).

The Ministry further noted:

“Since July 2024, the Ministry has disbursed a total of GHS 167,976,815 to WAEC to meet its financial obligations. The additional GHS 35 million requested by WAEC has also been honoured.”

Despite official documentation confirming receipt, the Ministry expressed surprise at the WAEC PRO’s denial of the GHS 25 million payment.

It urged the WAEC PRO to ensure public statements are based on verified facts to avoid misleading the public or casting aspersions on the Ministry’s efforts.

“We encourage the public to remain calm as we continue working closely with WAEC to ensure the timely release of the 2024 WASSCE results,” the statement concluded.