By: Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
Issa Kamara, the former Chief Examiner of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has been sentenced to five years in prison or a fine of 170,000 new Leones after pleading guilty to six counts of corruption.
The sentence was handed down by Justice Cosmotina Jarrett on May 21, 2025, following Kamara’s conviction in April for charges including academic malpractice, abuse of office, and misconduct in public office. In addition to the prison term, he has been banned from serving as a Chief Examiner or teaching in any school or vocational institution for the next five years.
Kamara received a three-year sentence or a fine of 30,000 Leones on counts 1, 2, 4, and 5. On count 6, he was sentenced to five years or a fine of 50,000 Leones, while he was cautioned and discharged on count 3. The judge ordered that the sentences run concurrently, meaning Kamara will serve a minimum of five years if he does not pay the fine.
Justice Jarrett emphasized that the sentence reflects the seriousness of the offenses, describing Kamara’s actions as a betrayal of trust that has adversely impacted the country’s educational system. The decision also considered mitigating and aggravating factors.
The case involved exam malpractice during the May/June 2024 and 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) in Freetown. Kamara was jointly charged with Ibrahim Kamara, an Assistant Examiner at WAEC, who has pleaded not guilty and is currently out on bail. His case has been adjourned for further hearings.
Lawyer Mohamed L. Sesay from the Anti-Corruption Commission prosecuted the case. During the initial hearing, Issa Kamara appeared without legal representation but was later assisted by Lawyer M.A. Kamara. The second accused is represented by Lawyer Omo Lisks.
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