2024 WASSCE: Labone SHS candidates barred from writing Social Studies paper due to lateness

At Labone Senior High School, seven students were prevented from taking part in the exam for arriving late for the scheduled paper on August 26.

The situation unfolded as officials of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) conducted routine monitoring, with Headmistress Rebecca Acorlor echoing sentiments similar to those expressed by her counterpart at Osu Presbyterian Senior High School.

Some of the affected students cited various reasons for being late. One student reported being delayed by traffic, while another explained that he had been on his way to the hospital due to illness. Unfortunately, his vehicle broke down en route, forcing him to abandon his hospital visit in order to reach the exam hall, yet he still arrived late.

“Yesterday evening, I was feeling a little sick. My tummy was hurting. So, they decided to take me to the hospital this morning before I come and write. On the way to the hospital the car broke down. So, I intended not to go to the hospital again but to come and write. When I came back it was already late, and they said I should not write.” One student said.

He added “I have tried to explain to the supervisor, but she didn’t want to listen.”

Another said” I came late actually. I am from Dodowa and there is traffic on the way. So, it is not deliberate that I want to come late. I know I have exams. It rained over there too, so the traffic was worse. I am trying to beg the senior invigilator to make us write. “

Headmistress of the Labone Senior High School, Rebecca Acorlor emphasized the importance of adhering to examination protocols.

According to her “When the paper starts, we shouldn’t let the students in. These students this is not the first time, and they have come a whole one hour after the start of the paper so I cannot in any way allow them.

She added “I am not happy about it, but this is the situation I find myself in.”

Dr. Rosemond Wilson, Head of the WAEC National Office, reinforced the necessity of following the 30-minute pre-exam seating requirement to prevent cheating and ensure a fair examination environment.

“In our regulations, students must be seated 30 minutes prior to the start of a paper and cannot leave the exam room 30 minutes before the paper ends. Supervisors must enforce this rule to maintain order during the exam, and students need to provide acceptable reasons for any lateness.”