Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi Urges End to Protocol Admissions and Legal Action Against WAEC

Prof. Enoch Opoku Antwi, former Dean at Academic City University College, has sparked a significant conversation on educational reform by calling for the complete abolition of the protocol system in school admissions and demanding higher accountability for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Speaking on Joy Learning TV’s The Career Trail, Prof. Antwi argued that current structures governing student placement and assessment are failing to protect the principles of meritocracy and integrity. He emphasized that for Ghana to progress, the educational system must prioritize hard work and transparency over influence and institutional monopolies. Central to his critique is the protocol admission system, which Prof. Antwi claims has become a breeding ground for corruption and inequality. He noted that the practice of reserving slots for influential individuals allows students with lower academic performance to secure placements over more qualified peers. This pay-to-play culture, he warned, not only burdens parents who feel pressured to pay for placements but also deeply discourages students who rely on their academic efforts. By removing these unfair advantages, Antwi believes the state can foster a more competitive and just environment where every student’s success is determined by their own merit rather than their social or financial connections. Turning his attention to examination integrity, Prof. Antwi urged parents to consider legal action against WAEC in the event of examination leakages. Drawing on his experience with international examination bodies like Pearson, he argued that WAEC must take full responsibility for any breaches that compromise the hard work of candidates. He suggested that the recurring nature of leakages in Ghana is partly due to WAEC’s monopoly, which lacks the incentive for rigorous improvement. To address this, he proposed introducing competition in the examination sector, suggesting that a multi-body system would drive efficiency, enhance security protocols, and restore public trust in national assessments. Prof. Antwi’s proposals reflect a growing demand for structural changes that align Ghana’s educational standards with international best practices. By advocating for a shift from favoritism to fairness and from monopoly to accountability, he underscores the need for a system that truly rewards talent and preparation. As policymakers and stakeholders consider these reforms, the goal remains clear: to build an educational framework that provides equal opportunity for all and maintains the highest levels of academic integrity for the next generation of Ghanaian leaders.