BECE Candidates Sue Education Minister

Eight final year students of the Ringway JSS in Accra are challenging the authority of the Education Minister, Christopher Ameyaw Akumfi to cancel the recent Basic Certificate Education Certificate (BECE) examinations.

The Minister cancelled eight of the papers following the overwhelming proof that questions had been leaked. The Minister’s directive fixed July 2 for the re-sit of the examinations but the aggrieved students are contending that the Minister acted contrary to the law governing the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in directing the cancellation.

According to them, only WAEC is vested with the requisite powers to cancel examinations if it deems necessary. A writ filed by lawyers of the students say they are being made to suffer a penalty although they have not been found guilty of an offence, contrary to the fundamental human rights provisions of the 1992 constitution.

The writ is seeking an injunction restraining WAEC from effecting the Minister’s directive regarding the cancellation and exam re-sits. They also want a court order compelling WAEC to mark, grade and certify their results.

However JOY FM has learnt that the students are being frustrated by the legal machinations. Sources told JOY FM that although the matter should have been heard today, June 24, officials at the court registry refused to process the ex-parte motion on the basis that the Attorney General cannot be sued ex-parte. Consequently, lawyers representing the students are filing the writ today, on notice, which means that there will be a waiting period of 14 days by which time the re-sit, which is in contention would have started.