WAEC Announces Date For The 2024 BECE

Rexbank 6 months ago

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has given an updates on the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) date amid financial challenges.

WAEC has reassured students and parents that this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) will take place as planned. In an interview on Peace FM on Tuesday morning, John Kapi, the Public Relations Officer of WAEC, confirmed that the council is about 90% done with preparations for the exams.

Mr. Kapi expressed confidence that students will be able to sit for the BECE. However, he noted that WAEC is still awaiting a significant portion of the funds needed to conduct the exams. The government is expected to pay over 90 million Ghanaian cedis to cover the costs of the BECE, but so far, WAEC has only received GH¢2.3 million out of the GH¢95.83 million required. Despite this shortfall, Mr. Kapi assured listeners that the council is ready to proceed with the exams, scheduled to run from July 8 to July 15, if at least 50% of the total amount is received soon.

Due to the financial challenges, there were concerns that the BECE might be canceled. However, Mr. Kapi addressed these fears by stating, “We have done the preparations…We can indeed do it. The printing and stationery are all ready.” He emphasized that WAEC is committed to ensuring that the exams take place as planned.

The assurance from WAEC comes amid ongoing discussions about the importance of the BECE and its role in the educational system. Some voices, like Nana Ofori Owusu, have called for the abolition of the BECE, arguing that it no longer holds value. On the other hand, figures like Salam Mustapha have stressed that under the current government, the exams will not be canceled, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the educational process.

Additionally, other education-related stories highlight the efforts of various organizations and individuals to support students. For instance, the Women’s Network for Peace Ghana recently donated educational items to Icon International School, aiming to prepare students for success. In another instance, the Member of Parliament for Kumawu donated exercise books to schools in his constituency.

While the financial challenges facing WAEC remain a concern, the council’s determination to hold the BECE as scheduled provides some reassurance to students and parents. The hope is that the government will fulfill its financial obligations in time to ensure that the exams proceed smoothly.