Supreme Court Bars Couple from Operating Schools Over WASSCE Examination Corruption

Supreme Court Judge, Justice Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JSC), has barred Mr. Henry Kamara and his wife, Mrs. Marion Follah Musu Kamara, from managing the Holy Family Secondary School at Deep Eye Water—or engaging in the administration of any educational institution—for a period of three years.

The decision follows their conviction on corruption-related offenses.

The couple, alongside their co-accused, Emmanuel Kobby, faced several charges brought under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2008, including the solicitation and acceptance of bribes.

The prosecution alleged that in 2019, while serving as a WAEC agent, Henry Kamara collected money from individuals in exchange for illegally facilitating access to the WASSCE examinations. Instead of directing candidates to the approved examination centre, he reportedly allowed them to take the exams in private residences.

During the trial, the State presented evidence through seven witnesses, including officials from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and affected community members. After reviewing the testimonies and documentary exhibits, Justice Alhadi ruled that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

In her judgment, Justice Alhadi stressed that corruption within educational institutions erodes the quality of learning and compromises public confidence in national examinations. She underscored the importance of protecting the credibility of the academic system, noting that misconduct of this nature undermines fairness and disadvantages honest students.

As part of the sentence, Henry Kamara was fined Le120,000 – equivalent to Le30,000 per count – payable over three years. His wife, Marion Kamara, received a fine of Le30,000 to be paid within one year. Meanwhile, co-accused Emmanuel Kobby was fined Le60,000, payable within two years, and was similarly banned from holding any position within educational institutions for three years.

The Judiciary urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected acts of academic malpractice.