Sierra Leonean Appointed as New Chairman of WAEC

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has elected Prof. Thomas Brima Rick Yormah as the 21st Chairman of the Council.

Yomah succeeds Prof Ato Essuman from Ghana.

The Head of Public Affairs at the WAEC Headquarters in Accra, Ghana, Demianus Ojijeogu, announced this development during the 72nd Annual Council Meeting.

Thomas Brima Yomah was former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Fourah Bay College and former Pro Vice-Chancellor of University of Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio was represented by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who praised WAEC for its global reputation in examining bodies and pledged continued cooperation with the organization.

The Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Sierra Leone, Hon. Conrad Sackey, highlighted the significant role played by the Council since its establishment in 1952.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining educational standards and fostering a broader vision beyond examinations within the sub-region.

The Minister commended WAEC for its continuous relevance over the past seven decades and called upon all stakeholders to collaborate in eradicating examination malpractice.

Prof. Yatta Kanu was elected as the Vice Chairman of the Council for a term of one year. She takes over from Dr. Ebrima Sisawo of the Republic of The Gambia.

The Council, which serves as the governing body of WAEC, convenes annually in rotation among its five member countries: The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.

During the meeting, it was also revealed that students from Ghana excelled in the 2023 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with the top three candidates all hailing from Ghana. Amo-Kodieh Leonard Kofi, Dzandu Selorm, and Asenso-Gyambibi Daniel were honored for their outstanding performance at the 72nd Annual General Meeting held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

Additionally, Amo-Kodieh Leonard Kofi received the prestigious Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award for the best overall candidate in the exam, while students from Sierra Leone, Mammah Raymonda, Bangura Joshua, and Fillie Sahr Edward, were recognized for their achievements with National Distinction and Merit Awards.