BECE: Our results not politically influenced – WAEC

Mr. John K. Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has firmly denied allegations that the examination governance body manipulates examination results for political purposes.

An examiner, who chose to remain anonymous and is known by the alias Teacher Kofi, alleged on the Class Morning Show on Class91.3FM, on Wednesday, 10 July 2024, that they are sometimes called upon to be flexible and not strict in their marking of examination papers, especially during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), for political expediency.

However, Mr. Kapi emphasized that WAEC is committed to fairness and upholds strict standards in their marking schemes.

"It’s untrue that we alter results to favor any government. No one should claim our exams are politically influenced. What candidates deserve is exactly what they receive," Mr. Kapi stated.

Addressing concerns about undue influence and compromised WAEC officials, Mr. Kapi asserted that there is no intention to please any government by adjusting the marking scheme.

"Such claims are baseless. No one within our organization would compromise our standards. We meticulously review and agree on marking schemes during coordination meetings to ensure consistency," he explained.

He also mentioned that examiners are instructed to adhere strictly to the agreed-upon criteria and not to use discretion to favor any candidate.

Mr. Kapi made this rebuttal in an interview on Accra-based Adom FM on Thursday, 11 July 2024.