The Parents Association of Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) has given the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) a seven-day ultimatum to release the withheld Integrated Science results of over 1,100 candidates who sat for the 2024 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The Parents’ Association insists that they cannot wait until February 28, as suggested by WAEC.
At a press conference held on Monday, February 10, the frustrated parents urged WAEC to release the results.
According to the Chairman of the Parents Association, Thomas Cudjoe, the decision has inflicted significant psychological and emotional trauma on their children, as well as parents, hence their decision to hold the press conference to add their voices to NUGS and other educational bodies demanding the release of withheld results.
“We are issuing a formal ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) today, Monday, February 10, demanding the immediate release of the withheld results by Monday, February 17. Failure to comply will prompt us to join forces with the National Students Union to stage a nationwide protest, which will be supported by current students who may also be affected by similar actions in the future,” he said.
Thomas Cudjoe urged the government to intervene and engage with university heads to grant a 2–3-day window after the results are released. This appeal comes as some universities have already commenced their matriculation processes.
“WAEC has not been fair to Ghanaian parents and our children. We are simply demanding that WAEC release the results as soon as possible. The February 28 deadline is unacceptable, especially since the court has already ordered the release of the results.”
“I was surprised to hear the WAEC Public Relations Officer claim that they have filed for a stay of execution to appeal. We all know the court process can take more than a month, but our children’s future cannot be put on hold indefinitely.”
The Western Regional Chapter of the Parents Association has declared its solidarity with the Parents Association of Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS). The regional chapter has pledged its support for the parents’ demands and endorsed their decision to take action.
According to Daniel Layea, Regional Chairman of the Parents Association, “Our children have suffered long enough. We came here to support our school, but the issue is that the children have been unfairly punished without being given a chance to be heard. Withholding their results is excessive and has caused chaos in many homes.”
“We fully support the parents’ demands and will take necessary action against WAEC if they don’t release the results. This issue affects not only GSTS but also the entire region, where we have seven schools. We urge WAEC to release the results immediately,” Mr Laryea said.
The parents have made allegations that WAEC opened a portal for students to re-sit, which they claim is a tactic to exploit parents and students financially.
The Secretary of the Parents’ Association at GSTS Gabriel Mensah said, “WAEC’s decision to open a portal for February re-sits is unfair. They withheld our children’s results and now expect them to rush and register for the re-sit exam, paying a fee. This is not a standard practice for WAEC, as their exams typically take place in November/December. We believe WAEC is trying to profit from this situation by enticing students to register for the re-sit exam. We are not happy with WAEC’s tactics and will not fall for their attempt to generate more revenue.”
It would be recalled that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) withheld the West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results of approximately 10,500 students nationwide, citing examination malpractice as the reason.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
