Minority calls for probe into GH¢68.5 million spent on WASSCE past questions photocopying

The Minority in Parliament is demanding an investigation into an alleged expenditure of GH¢68.5 million on photocopying past questions for WASSCE candidates in 2020 and 2021. According to reports, the Ministry of Education purportedly spent GH¢33.6 million in 2020 and over GH¢34 million in 2021 for this purpose, both through single-source procurement.

Addressing the media, Ashaiman Member of Parliament, Ernest Norgbey, called for a comprehensive probe by the Special Prosecutor to address what the caucus considers potential corrupt practices. He expressed strong opposition to the alleged misuse of funds, describing it as fraudulent and indicative of corruption. Norgbey emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in government spending, particularly concerning expenditures of this magnitude.

The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, disclosed in Parliament that the government spent the money to photocopy past questions for SHS students to assist them in preparing adequately for the WASSCE. Adutwum clarified that the past questions were procured from Messrs Kingdom Books and Stationery at a unit price of GH¢78.00 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic as part of efforts to support students ahead of the WASSCE.

He stated, “To help prepare the final year Senior High School students for the 2021 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the Ministry has procured 446,954 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) questions from Messrs Kingdom Books and Stationery at a unit price of GH¢78.00. The procurement will be funded from the Free Senior High School Account.” Adutwum also noted a similar initiative in 2020, where the government procured 568,755 past questions to aid students amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Minority's call for an investigation underscores concerns over transparency and accountability in government spending. As discussions unfold, the Special Prosecutor's involvement may shed light on the matter and ensure proper scrutiny of the procurement process.