Sekondi College PTA to Petition WAEC After 154 Students Barred from WASSCE Chemistry Exam Due to Flooding

On June 11, 2026, a crisis unfolded at Sekondi College as 154 final-year students were denied entry to their West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) Chemistry practical paper. The exclusion was triggered by their late arrival, a direct result of a severe rainstorm that caused widespread flash flooding and significant traffic disruptions across the region. While boarding students were able to access the examination hall without hindrance, the commuting day students found themselves locked out as school authorities and invigilators strictly enforced the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) regulations regarding examination start times.

The scene at the school was reportedly one of tears and despair as affected students pleaded with officials to be allowed into the hall. Despite their appeals and the evident extraordinary weather conditions, invigilators maintained that the rules governing late arrivals were absolute to preserve the integrity of the examination. This rigid adherence has sparked a significant public outcry, with critics and parents labeling the decision as excessively punitive. They argue that the students’ futures are being jeopardized by circumstances entirely beyond their control, specifically an act of nature that paralyzed local transportation.

In response to the incident, the Sekondi College Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has announced plans to formally petition WAEC to grant the 154 candidates an opportunity to retake the exam. PTA Chairperson Mercy Dadzie Turkson described the situation as unfortunate, noting that some students arrived only shortly after the exam had commenced but were still turned away. The PTA is also seeking the intervention of the Western Regional Minister to mediate the situation. Turkson emphasized that the association is urging WAEC to reconsider their decision, citing the intense frustration felt by parents over the strict enforcement of rules during such unusual weather.

The situation has prompted calls for the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to intervene immediately. Because Chemistry is a core elective for many of these students, missing the practical component could have devastating effects on their final grades and subsequent applications to tertiary institutions. The incident has reignited a national debate on the flexibility of examination regulations during emergencies. While some maintain that rules must be upheld to prevent malpractice, others argue for a more compassionate approach that accounts for environmental factors. As of June 12, WAEC had yet to issue a formal response to the PTA's concerns.