Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to reinstate the original academic calendar for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the WAEC Distinction Awards ceremony today, Mr. Iddrisu stressed the importance of returning to the pre-pandemic timetable to support smooth academic progression.

“I am using this platform to reiterate our strong desire to see the restoration of the academic calendar for both the BECE and WASSCE to its pre-COVID schedule,” he said.

He expressed concern over the lingering impact of the altered calendar on students' transitions between educational levels.

“We are not particularly happy that since COVID, our academic calendar has affected the seamless transition of students to the next layer of their career development,” Mr Iddrisu stated.

Mr. Iddrisu urged GES and WAEC to collaborate in crafting a revised calendar that aligns with the broader West African education system, ensuring regional consistency.

“GES and WAEC must work together to restore an acceptable calendar, one that is in sync with the rest of the West African system,” he urged.

The Minister’s appeal underscores the need for a stable and predictable academic timetable, which is vital for maintaining continuity in students’ educational journeys across Ghana and the sub-region.