The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has suspended the 2020 WASSCE until further notice.
WAEC in a memorandum dated (Thursday, 19, 2020) said the suspension is in compliance with the negative impact of the novel and deadly COVID-19 pandemic and protocols put in place by government to prevent its spread.

In a nationwide address on Sunday, March 15, 2020, President Akufo-Addo suspended all educational activities in the country with the exception of students who will be taking part in this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

They were allowed to attend school to prepare for their examinations.

The decision raised concerns from parents and teacher unions who asked government to include the final year students and their teachers in order to avoid massive spread of the virus.

After an increase in the cases confirmed in Ghana, the Health Ministry directed all Principals and Directors of schools to allow all final year students of basic schools and Senior High Schools to go home till further notice.

Reacting to this new directive, WAEC says it has also decided to suspend the 2020 timetable of WASSCE until further notice.

WAEC had registered 357,737 candidates to write the WASSCE next month April.

According to WAEC, the negative impact of the novel and deadly COVID-l9 pandemic and the subsequent protocols put in place by governments of member countries to prevent the spread of the disease have serious implications for the conduct of WASSCE for School Candidates, 2020 as agreed by the National Offices.

An inter-office memo directing the suspension signed by E.K. Myers, Ag. Head of IED said the proposal from the Secretariat on the need to reschedule WASSCE (SC) 2020 was approved by the Chairman of Council.

"Consequently, the Registrar hereby directs that";

1) The WASSCE (SC) 2020 Timetable be suspended until further notice;
2) The conduct of WASSCE (SC) 2020 be put on hold until further notice;
3) Directives (1) and (2) will be reviewed when the health situation improves.