The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has assured candidates, parents, and stakeholders that it will complete its investigations into alleged malpractice and irregularities in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and release all withheld results by February 28, 2025.

Speaking at a press conference held at WAEC’s headquarters in Accra on Friday, February 7, the Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examinations while ensuring transparency and fairness.

“The Council has been diligently conducting hearings for affected candidates and releasing results where appropriate.

We understand the anxiety of students and parents, and we wish to assure all stakeholders that all cases of malpractice will be concluded, and results will be released by February 28,” Kapi stated.

WAEC withheld the results of 10,520 candidates over suspicions of widespread cheating and other forms of malpractice detected during and after the examination process.

Some candidates were found in possession of unauthorised materials, while others were suspected of collusion and breaches of examination rules.

The council’s actions led to legal challenges from affected candidates.

On January 30, 2025, the High Court ruled in favour of four students who sued on behalf of the affected candidates, ordering WAEC to release their results.

However, WAEC has since filed for a stay of execution, scheduled to be heard on February 20, arguing that preserving the integrity of the examination process is paramount and that its investigations must be completed before complying with the ruling.

Legal counsel for the students, Martin Kpebu, has criticised WAEC’s stance, contending that the council has failed to provide substantial evidence to justify withholding the results.

He argued that the delays have left thousands of students in limbo, affecting their academic and career prospects.

Parents and educational institutions have also voiced frustration over the prolonged delay, calling for reforms in WAEC’s handling of examination-related disputes.

Many believe the uncertainty negatively impacts students’ ability to apply for tertiary education and scholarships.

As the February 28 deadline approaches, WAEC has reiterated that due process will be followed in finalising investigations.

Candidates cleared of any wrongdoing will have their results released, while those found guilty of malpractice may face sanctions, including result cancellations or bans from future WAEC examinations.

Stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, have urged WAEC to expedite its review process and ensure fairness in its final decisions.

With the impending court hearing on February 20 and the results expected by February 28, affected candidates and their families remain hopeful for a fair resolution to the contentious 2024 WASSCE examination issues.