47,454 Withheld WASSCE Results Put Education Minister Under Parliamentary Scrutiny
Alex Fefegula Harding Sierra Leone’s handling of 47,454 withheld WASSCE results is facing parliamentary scrutiny, with lawmakers considering steps to summon Education Minister Conrad Sackey to answer questions about the affected candidates.
The development followed concerns raised by MP Daniel Brima Koroma during parliamentary proceedings on October 29, after the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education (MBSSE) announced that thousands of candidates’ results had been withheld over suspected examination malpractice.
According to a report by A-Z Multimedia, Koroma called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withheld results, arguing that students should not be penalised for alleged irregularities without first establishing individual responsibility.
He also indicated his intention to invoke Standing Order 20 to bring the matter before Parliament and seek the Minister’s appearance during Question Time.
Responding to the concerns, Rebecca Yei Kamara, Chairperson of Parliament’s Oversight Committee on Basic and Senior Secondary School Education, informed lawmakers that investigations into the cases were already underway.
She cautioned against setting up a separate parliamentary investigation that could duplicate the work being carried out by the relevant authorities.
The Speaker subsequently advised Koroma to submit his concerns in writing, outlining the specific issues he wanted addressed. According to A-Z Multimedia, the submission would provide a basis for Parliament to consider requesting the Minister’s appearance.
The controversy follows the MBSSE’s October 27 announcement that results for 47,454 candidates, comprising 26,735 females and 20,719 males, had been withheld over suspected examination irregularities.
The Ministry said the cases were subject to further investigation and that some or all of the affected results could be released depending on the findings.
Beyond the withheld results, the 2026 WASSCE figures have also raised concerns about performance in English Language. Data published by the Sierra Leone News Agency showed that 63.33 per cent of candidates failed the subject, while only 9.77 per cent obtained credit grades.
The developments have renewed attention on examination oversight, accountability and the need to protect candidates’ academic interests while investigations continue.