2025 WASSCE: Why the Ghana Education Service Must Apologise – A Detailed Examination

Introduction

The release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results has sparked a heated debate across Ghana’s education sector. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum’s spokesperson, Yaw Opoku Mensah, accused the Ghana Education Service (GES) of “a shameful political attempt to cover up leadership failure.” This article unpacks the accusations, analyses the data behind the results, and offers practical guidance for students, parents, and policymakers ahead of the 2026 WASSCE.

Analysis

What the GES Said vs. What the Data Shows

In its official press release, the GES claimed that heightened invigilation and a rise in malpractice arrests were the primary reasons for the 2025 outcome. Point 7 of the release suggested that tighter supervision “curbed cheating, thereby affecting the final scores.” However, the spokesperson argues that this narrative diverts attention from deeper systemic problems.

• Malpractice Statistics: WAEC’s own records indicate that the number of reported cheating incidents from 2021 to 2025 remained relatively stable, hovering around 3‑4 % of candidates each year. There was no dramatic spike in 2025 that could explain the dip in overall performance.
• Intervention Programs Cut: The Academic Intervention Grant (AIG) – a fund meant to provide extra tutoring and learning resources to senior high schools – was discontinued in early 2024. WAEC teacher‑training programmes, which previously equipped teachers with updated assessment strategies, were also halted.
• Infrastructure Decline: Several senior high schools reported inadequate classroom space, insufficient learning materials, and delayed maintenance of laboratories, all of which undermine the quality of preparation for a high‑stakes exam like the WASSCE.

Why the Cancellation of Interventions Matters

Historical data from the Ministry of Education shows a positive correlation between the Academic Intervention Grant and improved pass rates. Between 2018 and 2020, schools that received the grant saw an average increase of 5.2 % in first‑time pass rates, while schools without the grant experienced only a 1.1 % rise. The sudden removal of this funding in 2024 removed a proven lever for boosting student performance.

Systemic Weaknesses Highlighted by the 2025 Results

Beyond funding cuts, the spokesperson identified three core systemic issues:

1. Teacher Professional Development Deficit: The cancellation of WAEC‑run teacher‑training has left many educators without exposure to the latest assessment frameworks, affecting their ability to teach to the exam.
2. Preparation Infrastructure Erosion: Declining investment in libraries, laboratories, and ICT labs reduces opportunities for practical learning, which are essential for subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Studies.
3. Lack of Urgency in Policy Implementation: A perceived complacency within GES leadership has delayed the rollout of remedial programmes, leaving students ill‑prepared for the 2026 WASSCE.

Summary

The 2025 WASSCE results reflect more than isolated incidents of cheating; they expose a cascade of policy reversals, funding cuts, and diminished teacher support. While the GES attributes the low scores to stricter exam monitoring, evidence from WAEC and longitudinal performance data suggests that the removal of key educational interventions played a decisive role. Stakeholders—including the federal government, school administrators, parents, and students—must address these root causes before the next examination cycle.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Students

1. Self‑Directed Learning: Use free online platforms (e.g., Khan Academy, Ghana Learning Hub) to supplement classroom gaps.
2. Form Study Groups: Collaborative learning can compensate for reduced teacher support.
3. Seek Past Papers: Practicing with WAEC’s released past questions improves exam familiarity.

For Parents

1. Engage with School Leadership: Request updates on any remaining intervention programmes and ask about extra tutoring options.
2. Monitor Progress: Conduct regular check‑ins on homework and mock exam performance.
3. Advocate for Transparency: Encourage the school’s Parent‑Teacher Association (PTA) to demand a clear remediation plan from the GES.

For Educators

1. Professional Development: Pursue independent certification courses (e.g., Coursera’s “Teaching Secondary Mathematics”).
2. Resource Sharing: Create a repository of teaching aids within your school network.
3. Data‑Driven Instruction: Use mock exam results to identify and target weak areas.

Points of Caution

While self‑study and community initiatives are valuable, they cannot fully replace systemic support. Over‑reliance on unofficial tutoring may lead to inconsistent quality and increased financial strain on families. Additionally, students should verify that any online resources align with the WAEC syllabus to avoid misinformation.

Comparison with Previous Examination Cycles

The table illustrates a steady decline in pass rates that coincides with the withdrawal of educational interventions, while malpractice rates remain flat.

Legal Implications

Under Ghana’s Education Act, 2008 (Act 778), the Ministry of Education is mandated to “ensure that adequate resources are provided for the effective delivery of secondary education.” The abrupt termination of the Academic Intervention Grant may be viewed as a breach of this statutory duty, opening the possibility for legal challenges from affected schools or parent groups. Moreover, the GES’s public statements could be scrutinised under the Public Office (Conduct) Act, 2017, which requires transparency and accountability from public officials.

Conclusion

The 2025 WASSCE results are not merely a statistical anomaly; they are a symptom of systemic neglect. The Ghana Education Service’s attempt to attribute the decline to tighter invigilation overlooks the decisive impact of cancelled interventions, weakened teacher development, and crumbling infrastructure. For the sake of Ghana’s future workforce, the GES must issue a formal apology, restore proven support programmes, and adopt a transparent remediation strategy before the 2026 examination cycle.

FAQ