Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister of Education, has instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take action against the headteacher of Buduatta DA Junior High School. The directive follows allegations that the headteacher, Richard Ahunyagbe, failed to register certain students for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

Reports indicate that Ahunyagbe is accused of embezzling funds intended for BECE registration fees, resulting in the inability of some final-year students at Buduatta JHS in the Gomoa East District to participate in the BECE, which began on Monday. The distressing situation led to scenes of tearful students who were unable to sit for the exam.

Frustration and concern among parents escalated as they gathered at the school premises to address the issue. In response, Education Minister Dr. Adutwum, speaking on Adom FM’s ‘Dwaso Nsem,’ emphasized that school administrators found guilty of misconduct during the ongoing BECE would face consequences.

Dr. Adutwum outlined the government’s stance on fees related to WAEC exams under the Free Senior High School policy, highlighting the gravity of the allegations against the headteacher: “I heard that a headmaster has taken money from some candidates… His matter is a very serious one.”

Regarding outstanding arrears owed to the West African Examination Council (WAEC), Dr. Adutwum assured that the Ministry has initiated the process of payment. The issue of arrears arose when WAEC’s head of Public Relations, John Kapi, revealed that only GH₵10.5 million of the owed amount had been paid for conducting the examination. However, Kapi noted that this amount was insufficient to cover the costs of marking the exam scripts.

Dr. Adutwum affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to resolving the arrears issue, acknowledging the importance of addressing financial challenges to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations. The Ministry aims to maintain effective communication and collaboration with WAEC to ensure timely and appropriate resolutions.