NUGS threatens protests, demands release of withheld WASSCE results

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has issued a one-week ultimatum to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to release all withheld 2024 WASSCE results or face nationwide protests.

The union is also demanding the removal of WAEC Ghana’s Head over what it describes as unfair treatment of candidates accused of examination malpractice.

NUGS has raised concerns about WAEC’s failure to grant affected students a fair hearing before withholding or canceling their results. The union further accused WAEC of deliberately delaying the release of results until after university admission deadlines, preventing students from securing placements in public universities.

Additionally, NUGS criticized the practice of canceling entire results for students found guilty of malpractice in a single subject, arguing that only the affected paper should be nullified. The union also lamented the lack of a proper appeal mechanism for students to challenge WAEC’s decisions.

According to NUGS, these grievances were formally addressed in a letter to WAEC dated January 2, 2025, but the council has yet to respond positively.

Speaking at a media briefing, NUGS President Daniel Korley warned that failure to meet their demands would result in large-scale demonstrations. He also called for urgent institutional reforms within WAEC to prevent future injustices against students.

“Education is a fundamental right, and WAEC must uphold justice, transparency, and accountability. The credibility of WAEC is at stake if students and the general public lose confidence in its fairness.

“We demand immediate reforms to address these injustices. If WAEC fails to act, NUGS will escalate this matter through legal and advocacy channels, including seeking judicial intervention.

“We urge all students to remain calm but resolute in demanding their rights. NUGS stands with every student affected by WAEC’s actions, and we will not rest until justice is served,” he stated.