The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Sekondi College (SEKCO) is set to petition the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) after 154 candidates were reportedly prevented from writing their Chemistry Theory and Objective paper during the ongoing WASSCE examinations.
According to the PTA, the students were denied entry to the examination hall on Wednesday after arriving late due to heavy rainfall that affected movement across parts of the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis.
Speaking to Citi News on Friday, PTA Chairperson Mercy Dadzie expressed concern over the situation and revealed that parents would also seek the intervention of the Western Regional Minister in a bid to secure another opportunity for the affected candidates to sit the examination.
Mrs. Dadzie explained that some of the students, including her own ward, arrived at the examination centre only a few minutes after the paper had begun. However, they were allegedly refused entry by an external invigilator despite their efforts to explain the circumstances that caused the delay.
She argued that while examination regulations must be respected, the students should have been allowed to write the paper, with any lost time deducted from their examination period or other sanctions imposed where necessary.
“There is a law governing examinations. Even if the children were late, they should have been allowed to write the paper, with the lost time deducted from their examination period. They could also have been sanctioned for the lateness,” she stated.
Mrs. Dadzie further appealed to WAEC to consider the future of the affected candidates, stressing that denying them the opportunity to write the examination could have serious consequences on their academic progress.
“At least they would have had the opportunity to attempt the questions and earn some marks. We are pleading with WAEC to help us. This concerns the future of these children,” she added.
The incident has sparked concern among parents and education stakeholders, with many calling for a fair resolution that balances examination regulations with the exceptional circumstances caused by the adverse weather conditions.
The PTA remains hopeful that WAEC will review the matter and provide a solution that safeguards the academic future of the affected students.
