Minister Sackey reports the government eliminated six ghost schools during CAS verification

Conard Sackey, the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), commenced his address by elucidating the ministry's position on identity challenges faced by students, particularly in relation to the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

He elaborated on the implementation of the Continuous Assessment Scores (CAS), its impact, and the repercussions of failing to submit it across senior secondary school levels as follows:

CAS-1 (SS1): A total of 896 schools successfully uploaded their students’ scores. However, 84 schools did not comply, prompting government intervention by allowing students from these institutions to take the private WAEC exam. He clarified that students are not allowed multiple resits of public exams in public schools using government resources.

CAS-2 (SS2): Among the participating schools, 880 uploaded the required grades. Of the 12 schools that failed, six were found to have administrative deficiencies. Consequently, the principals of these institutions have been suspended, and their salaries withheld for six months. The remaining six schools were identified as ghost schools—institutions existing only on paper.

CAS-3 (SS3): Only 47 schools failed to submit grades, potentially impacting the final grading of their students. He further noted that a total of 148,362 students have registered for the 2025 WAEC exams in Sierra Leone (currently ongoing), comprising 66,689 boys and 81,673 girls from 886 schools, seated across 335 examination centers.

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to radical inclusion in education. He confirmed the provision of braille exam papers for visually impaired students and extended time allowances for students with hearing challenges.

A stern warning was also issued against examination malpractice, particularly the use of mobile phones, which could result in the cancellation or seizure of results.