The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has called off its planned protest against the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over the withholding and cancellation of results for some candidates of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The demonstration, initially scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, aimed to pressure WAEC into releasing the results of affected students, whose academic futures have been cast into uncertainty, with university admissions and scholarship opportunities hanging in the balance.

However, NUGS announced the suspension of the protest just hours before it was set to begin, following an emergency meeting with WAEC officials and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES). The union disclosed on its social media platforms that WAEC had made fresh commitments during the discussions.

“Following an emergency meeting with West African Examinations Council (WAEC) officials and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, NUGS – National Union of Ghana Students has suspended the planned demonstration scheduled for 25th February 2025.

“WAEC has given firm assurances that all pending withheld results will be released by the 1st of March 2025,” the statement read.

This announcement has brought some relief to thousands of students and their families who have anxiously awaited clarity on the matter. The delays had caused significant frustration among students, parents, and educational stakeholders, with accusations of unfair treatment in cases related to examination malpractice.

The controversy began when WAEC withheld and canceled results for numerous candidates across the country, citing allegations of malpractice. The decision prompted widespread backlash, with many questioning the transparency and fairness of the council’s actions.

NUGS, as the main student advocacy body in Ghana, had initially demanded that WAEC release the results promptly or provide clear explanations for the withheld outcomes. The union argued that the council’s actions were having a detrimental impact on the future prospects of affected students, especially those seeking admission into tertiary institutions or applying for scholarships.

With WAEC’s commitment to resolve the issue by March 1, all eyes are now on the examination body to honor its promise and ensure that students’ academic journeys are not further derailed.