Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Rt. Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education to urgently resolve the withheld 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results of 47,454 candidates to prevent them from missing university admission opportunities.
In a press release, Kargbo expressed concern following the Ministry’s announcement on October 27, 2026, that the results of 47,454 candidates, comprising 26,735 females and 20,719 males, had been withheld.
He warned that the uncertainty surrounding the results could jeopardise students’ chances of gaining university admission and delay their educational progress, noting that the affected candidates and their families had invested years of effort and significant sacrifices in their education.
Kargbo urged WAEC and the Ministry to provide clear explanations for withholding the results, ensure fair and timely investigations into the affected cases, and communicate a definite timeline for resolving the matter.
While emphasising the need to protect the integrity of public examinations, the opposition leader said allegations of examination malpractice must be thoroughly investigated and any sanctions imposed only on the basis of evidence and fair procedures.
He stressed that withheld results should not automatically be treated as cancelled results, adding that suspicion alone should not be regarded as proof of wrongdoing.
Kargbo also called on the relevant authorities to engage universities and other tertiary institutions to explore flexible admission arrangements for affected candidates, subject to the eventual release of their results and the institutions’ entry requirements.
He warned that students cleared of wrongdoing should not lose an academic year simply because investigations extend beyond university admission deadlines.
The opposition leader said the matter required urgent attention, transparency and compassion, insisting that affected students deserved clear answers and a fair opportunity to continue their education.
He added that the future of young people should remain a national priority, regardless of political differences.
