By Jacqueline Dennis
MONROVIA — In a landmark judgment, the Monrovia Magisterial Court has found Augustine S. Saysay, a former Examination Officer of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), guilty of multiple criminal offenses stemming from the leak of the 2024 WASSCE Mathematics exam.
Associate Magistrate Lasane Kamara sentenced Saysay to 12 months in prison and imposed a US$1,000 fine, citing his actions as a serious breach of public trust and a setback to Liberia’s already struggling education sector.
Background of the Case
The case relates to the leak of Mathematics examination papers that were scheduled for administration in Tapita, Nimba County, on May 30, 2024. WAEC officials discovered that a sealed exam security bag under the custody of Defendant Saysay had been tampered with, leaving two packages of exam booklets missing.
A joint investigation conducted by WAEC and the Liberia National Police (LNP) uncovered text messages and financial transactions connecting Saysay to three alleged accomplices: Amos Bowah, Hamid Alhanssan Bangura, and Lewis A. A. Leeco. Evidence showed that Saysay received mobile money transfers totaling LRD 100,000, suggesting the exam papers were leaked for profit, giving certain students an unfair advantage.
While the co-defendants are yet to face trial, Saysay was granted a severance of trial and was prosecuted individually.
Trial and Testimonies
The prosecution’s case was built on testimonies from key witnesses, including Mrs. Wynna George-Soper, Acting Head of WAEC’s Test Division. She confirmed that Saysay violated exam security protocols and recounted his admission of guilt during an internal WAEC meeting — before the matter reached police hands.
LNP Investigator Dennis N. Weah supported the prosecution’s case with digital evidence and witness statements, including text and financial records linking Saysay to the leak.
On the defense side, Saysay denied all charges, citing his 18-year record with WAEC and alleging coercion by police. However, the court dismissed these claims, noting the lack of medical records or credible witness support.
Court’s Ruling and Sentencing
In his ruling, Magistrate Kamara stated:
“Trust was broken in Tapita, and the man appointed to safeguard the nation’s exams chose personal gain over duty.”
The court found Augustine S. Saysay guilty of Theft of Property, Misapplication of Entrusted Property, Criminal Conspiracy, and Aiding the Consummation of a Crime — all in violation of Liberia’s New Penal Code.
He was immediately remanded to the Monrovia Central Prison, where he will serve a one-year sentence. The court also ordered the payment of the $1,000 fine in line with the 2012 amendment to the Penal Law.
A Wake-Up Call for Education Reform
The court’s decision comes amid growing concerns over the integrity of Liberia’s education system, which former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf once described as a “mess.” Stakeholders say this ruling must serve as a turning point to rebuild public trust in national examinations and hold officials accountable.
Education advocates have welcomed the verdict, urging the Ministry of Education and WAEC to tighten security, enforce accountability, and improve the credibility of the WASSCE and other standardized assessments.
