Prof. Ato Essuman has been inducted into office as the 20th Chairman of Council. The ceremony was held on Friday, 26th March, 2021 as part of the activities for the 69th Annual Council Meeting. Prof. Essuman succeeds Mr. Baboucarr Bouy from The Gambia. The Chief Government Nominee from Ghana, Prof. Kwasi Opoku-Amankwa will serve as Vice-Chairman for a one-year term.
Prof. Ato Essuman is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Education and Entrepreneurship at the Methodist University College, Ghana. He was the Chief Director at the Ministry of Education from 2005 to 2009. Before becoming the Chief Director, he had held various positions at the Ministry, including the position of Director, Funds and Procurement Management Unit (FPMU), and Coordinator, Development Partners (Donors).
Prof. A. Essuman’s association with WAEC when he was the Chief Director at the Ministry of Education gave him insight into the culture, operations and core business of WAEC. He later became a member of the Ghana National Committee and the International Administrative and Finance Committee of the Council. His membership of the committees afforded him the opportunity to participate in various activities of the Council at the national and international levels where he was recognised as a leading voice, bringing out new thinking and perspectives at meetings and other interactive fora.
Prof. Essuman was a key advocate for WAEC, advancing its interests and supporting its activities. He was instrumental in the setting up of the Security Printing Department of the Ghana National Office and the provision of equipment and tools for the Department by the Government of Ghana, which shortened the results processing time, enhanced examination security and improved efficiency.
At his investiture, Prof. Essuman pledged to work with the member countries to reimagine education and accelerate change in teaching and learning. He emphasized the importance of a strong research Division that will coordinate effectively with the Test Development and Test Administration Divisions. He underscored the need for WAEC to be relevant to the governments and people it serves and called for greater collaboration among the member countries.