Over 15 students of the Osu Presbyterian Senior High School (SHS) in Accra on Monday were nearly barred from writing the West Africa School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

This was after the students arrived late for the first core subject paper, Social Studies.

Per the rules of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), the candidates are supposed to be seated 30 minutes before the start of the exams.

However, these students flouted the rule and came at their own time.

The Exam Supervisor for the Centre and headmaster, Vincent Esuah speaking to the media said the candidates are habitual late comers.

Mr Esuah stated that he is not going to lax any of the rules governing the conduct of the examination for anyone or any group of students.

“WAEC works with rules and regulations and the rules are that students are to be seated 30 minutes before a paper. We already had a delay and we started the paper before they [the students] were now coming in.

“They have no reason for coming late, they are simply perpetual latecomers, and if you ask them, you will know why they are late and I will not allow anyone to breach the rules especially if you don’t have a special reason.”

Meanwhile, the Head at the WAEC National Office, Dr. Rosemond Wilson, has asked all supervisors nationwide to adhere to the 30 minutes reporting time before the start of the paper rule to prevent possible cheating.

“In our rules and regulations, students are supposed to be seated 30 minutes before the start of a paper and they are not supposed to go out 30 minutes to the end of a paper. The supervisors are to adhere to this rule for a smooth conduct of the exam and candidates are to give a reason for their lateness,” she stated.