The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has cast doubt on the Council's ability to meet the December 29 deadline for releasing the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.

This comes after the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, assured the public that WAEC would release the results on the specified date.

In an interview on Joy FM's Midday news, the Head of Public Relations, John Kapi said that the Council is facing significant challenges, primarily due to malfunctioning scanning machines used for processing objective answer cards.

He explained that only 45% of the work has been completed, with 55% still pending, adding that financial constraints hindering their progress.

“The scanners are not working at full throttle. And so we would be glad if they release further funds for us to be able to, you know, fix, I mean, buy the parts, fix the machines, so that we can have more machines scanning, and the work can move on very fast. So this information, I am told, was made available to the minister.

"Unfortunately, as I speak, we haven't received any more funds, apart from the GH₵ 25 million we received on the 15th of December.

"Well, it's four days to go. We have indicated the challenge we have is money. if it is made available for us, we will be able to get the machines working, we'll recall all staff, and then all hands on deck. We are sure to be able to meet that deadline. But for now, I doubt if we can make it," he stressed.

The official expressed optimism that the situation could improve if funds are released promptly, enabling WAEC to repair the machines and recall staff to expedite the process.

However, he cautioned that meeting the December 29 target remains unlikely under current circumstances.