Freetown, 5th November, 2026 — The Parliament of Sierra Leone on Thursday, 5th November, 2026, summoned and probed the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Mr. Conrad Sackey, over the massive withholding of the 2026 WASSCE results by WAEC.
Addressing Members of Parliament in the Well of Parliament, Minister Sackey said Government remains focused on improving education in Sierra Leone and that his Ministry is working around the clock to address public concerns.
“My Ministry and I are working around the clock to resolve the issues,” he told MPs.
He noted that many improvements have taken place in the education sector under President Julius Maada Bio, disclosing that 143 schools have obtained WAEC codes across the country to enable them to take public examinations.
On the 47,525 withheld results, the Minister admitted the figure is unacceptable and said Government is tirelessly working to remedy the situation. He assured that innocent candidates whose results were withheld will have them released after investigation.
He identified poor performance in English Language as a major challenge over the years, saying Government is addressing it through provision of learning materials, improved conditions of service for teachers, and additional training for English Language teachers nationwide.
Minister Sackey said the Ministry is open to dialogue to ensure a better and improved education system and will work with relevant authorities to address the huge number of withheld results and other challenges.
Responding to questions from MPs, he promised to prepare written responses to several concerns that could not be addressed in the Chamber.
Parliamentary Resolutions
At the end of the probe, Parliament adopted six resolutions:
1. The Committee set up to investigate the seizure of the 2026 WASSCE results be reviewed, with the inclusion of the Parliamentary Committee on Basic Education and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
2. The Parliamentary Committee on Basic Education should investigate the MBSSE regarding the capacity of WAEC to conduct public examinations.
3. The Committee on Basic Education should examine the MBSSE’s involvement in the recruitment of examination officers for public examinations.
4. Within four days, the MBSSE should furnish Parliament with a clear timeline for the completion of the investigation into the withheld 2026 WASSCE results.
5. WAEC, through the MBSSE, should prepare a post-investigation report on the withholding of results and measures to prevent a recurrence.
6. Parliament urged WAEC to ensure the release of all withheld results for pupils for whom there is no clear evidence of examination malpractice.
In a related development, Parliament also moved and carried a motion banning all sign-out celebrations in academic institutions across the country.
