Published: September 15, 2025
Temple of Justice, Monrovia — A Liberian man has been forwarded to court after police accused him of forging West African Examinations Council (WAEC) certificates and impersonating as a staff of the regional testing body.
The Liberia National Police said defendant Chileegbo Hinneh was arrested on Sept. 10, 2025, following a complaint filed by WAEC Liberia. After his arrest, officers said they informed him of his constitutional rights, conducted an investigation, and charged him with forgery, in violation of Chapter 15, Section 15.70 of the Revised Penal Law of Liberia.
Allegations and Findings
According to investigators, WAEC Liberia is the only body authorized to issue certificates to candidates who sit and pass the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Hinneh, who is not an employee of WAEC, allegedly posed as a technician for the institution and claimed he could alter misspelled names on certificates.
Police allege that Hinneh received US$25,000 from complainant Mcdee D. Chea after promising to correct an error on Chea’s certificate. Instead, he allegedly produced a forged version of the document and sent a soft copy to Fredstina M. Kai for verification. Investigators said Hinneh later attempted to deliver the fake certificate in person.
Investigators further found that Hinneh has never worked for WAEC Liberia, despite his claims to the contrary.
Why the Case Matters
A WAEC certificate is one of the most important academic documents in West Africa. Issued by the West African Examinations Council, a regional body established in 1952, the certificate confirms that a candidate has successfully completed and passed the WASSCE or the older General Certificate of Education (GCE).
The document is the equivalent of a high school diploma in the United States or A-levels in the United Kingdom. It is required for university and college admissions in West Africa, recognized internationally, and often demanded by employers as proof of educational qualifications.
Because of its value in education and employment, the integrity of the WAEC certificate is considered critical, and forgeries pose serious risks to both academic standards and the job market.
Court Proceedings
Based on the findings, police resolved to charge Hinneh with forgery. The case has been forwarded to a court of competent jurisdiction for trial.
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