The Ghanaian Ministry of Education has strongly denied claims that it was spending GH¢68.5 million on photocopying past questions (Pasco) for students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).
These allegations suggested the Ministry of Education paid GH¢33.6 million in 2020 and an additional GH¢34 million in 2021 through single-source procurement for photocopying services.
However, the Ministry of Education has clarified the nature and purpose of these expenditures in response to the uproar these claims have caused.
Addressing Parliament on Monday, March 4, Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum clarified the government’s financial allocations, stating that the funds were used to procure past questions for senior high school (SHS) students.
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This Pasco printing was part of a broader effort to aid students’ preparation for the crucial WASSCE during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Adutwum detailed that the procurement was made from Messrs Kingdom Books and Stationery at a cost of GH¢78.00 per unit, emphasizing the educational support intended for the students amidst pandemic-related disruptions.
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Further clarifying the situation, the Ministry of Education ‘s Public Relations Officer, Kwasi Kwarteng, released a statement on Facebook, addressing the misconceptions surrounding the expenditure.
According to Kwarteng, the reported amounts were not allocated for photocopying alone but were actually spent on the printing, supply, and distribution of comprehensive Pasco books.
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He also corrected the claim of GH¢78 being spent on photocopying a page as not only inaccurate but misleading.
Kwarteng provided a breakdown of the expenditure over the years, indicating that in 2019, the Ministry of Education engaged with Messrs. Aki-Ola
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