CUTS International, based in Accra, a prominent public policy and consumer rights research organization, is urging the Ministry of Education to take action and force the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to cease charging examinees for accessing their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results via the internet.
In a statement issued in Accra, the West Africa Regional Director of CUTS, Mr. Appiah Kusi Adomako, labeled the existing system as unfair and unwarranted. He stated that WAEC's requirement for students to buy scratch cards to access their results is not only redundant but also approaches extortion.
"In various regions across the globe, examination authorities do not impose fees for students to view their results. At our local universities, students can access their grades at no cost, as is the case in all legal jurisdictions. This is a fundamental right that should not require any financial burden on students or their families," Mr. Adomako stated.
He pointed out that prior to 2004, WAEC issued and delivered physical result slips to schools, which involved considerable logistical expenses. However, since moving to an online system, these costs have significantly decreased. Even with this change, students are now required to pay between GHS 15 and GHS 25 simply to access their results. For instance, this year, approximately 600,000 candidates took the BECE, and if each pays GHS 15, the total amount would reach GHC 9 million.
"Going digital was expected to simplify and reduce costs. However, candidates are now required to pay for a service that should be free. In nations such as South Africa, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Kenya, and Zambia, students can view their results online without any charge. Why should Ghana be an exception?" he added.
Computerized Student Assignment also had an impact
The declaration also sparked worries regarding the financial pressure on students who utilize the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to secure their Senior High School placement.
"The system for assigning students to schools was implemented to enhance openness and lower expenses in comparison to the previous manual method. However, currently, students are still required to pay simply to discover which school they have been assigned to. This contradicts the core objective of automation," Mr. Adomako stated.
Calls for Policy Action
CUTS is urging the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education to take immediate and firm action to stop what it refers to as an unlawful and unjust practice that has begun this year.
"WAEC is not the sole organization conducting exams. Students taking ACCA, SAT, TOEFL, GRE, IELTS, and even our national service placements can check their results or assignments online at no cost. This should also be the case here," Mr. Adomako emphasized.
He ended by calling on officials to make sure that education stays available and cost-effective. The fact that this practice has continued for 21 years does not make it valid. "Receiving exam results or being placed into SHS through a computerized system should not be a privilege or a way to generate income. It should be a fundamental service, as is the case in other regions."