General News of Tuesday, 23 June 2015

Source: starrfmonline.com

Mahama can’t sack WAEC boss – Ablakwa

Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa - deputy Education Minister Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa - deputy Education Minister

The deputy Education Minister in charge of Tertiary Education, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, has stated that President Mahama has no mandate to dismiss the head of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Rev. Sam Nii Nmai Ollennu.

Several people have called for the dismissal of the WAEC boss after five BECE papers were cancelled due to a massive leakage.

The papers are part 2 of English Language; Religious and Moral Education; Integrated Science; Mathematics, and Social Studies.

The students are expected to re-write the cancelled papers next week.

Speaking on the issue, the South Tongu MP said Rev. Ollennu was appointed by the WAEC council which bars the President from relieving him of his post.

"As you may have noticed, Government has come heavy on WAEC. WAEC is an independent international organization. It has been in our country since 1952; I have heard some people asked government why it is not sacking the WAEC boss and dissolve the board.

“If you look at Act 719 (2006), we do not have that mandate; we did not appoint Reverend Olenu and President Mahama didn't appoint him.

“He applied by responding to an advert by the council of WAEC which is a West African body; so they can only terminate his appointment or perhaps he himself if he so decides to resign" Ablakwa explained.