GES Refutes Claims on 2025 WASSCE Efficiency and Teacher Allowances

Introduction

In December 2024, tensions escalated in Ghana’s education sector following public statements by former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum alleging systemic inefficiency in the administration of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The Ghana Education Service (GES), the regulatory body overseeing national examinations, categorically dismissed these allegations, calling them “misleading” and an effort to evade accountability. This article dissects the dispute, contextualizes GES’s rebuttal, and highlights implications for stakeholders in Ghana’s educational landscape.

Analysis

Background of the Dispute

The controversy erupted when Dr Adutwum, who served as Education Minister until January 2025, accused GES of mismanaging the 2025 WASSCE process. Speaking at media engagements, he claimed that “unsupportive management practices” under GES had compromised the exam’s efficiency, indirectly criticizing the current administration’s competence. These remarks contrasted sharply with GES’s public assertion that the WASSCE outcomes reflected authentic student performance due to “rigorous invigilation and administration.”

GES’s Stance on Exam Integrity

GES emphasized that its management team completed and published the 2025 WASSCE results without “interference” from the former minister’s office. The agency contends that Dr Adutwum’s criticisms distort the reality of the examination process, which adhered to standardized protocols. GES also highlighted its track record of transparent result processing, with the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department confirming that the non-payment of November teacher allowances stemmed from technical delays, not administrative neglect.

Summary

The Ghana Education Service denies claims by former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum that its management caused inefficiencies in the 2025 WASSCE. GES clarifies that teacher allowances remain intact and attributes the November non-payment to technical issues. The agency insists its procedures ensured the integrity of this year’s results, dismissing the former minister’s critiques as misinformation aimed at deflecting responsibility.

Key Points

Allowance Cancellation Clarification

GES categorically denied allegations of withholding teacher allowances. The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department confirmed that November payments faced temporary delays due to system errors, a standard operational hiccup unrelated to policy changes.

Exam Result Credibility

The agency reaffirmed that the 2025 WASSCE outcomes are the “most accurate reflection” of students’ knowledge. This rebuts Dr Adutwum’s assertion that mismanagement skewed results, stressing adherence to rigorous invigilation protocols.

Focus on Past Leadership

GES rejected claims of shifting blame, asserting that Dr Adutwum’s critiques should not overshadow GES’s current accountability efforts. The agency urged stakeholders to prioritize objective discourse over partisan narratives.

Practical Advice

For Parents and Students

• Verify Information: Always cross-check claims about admissions or results with official GES communications to avoid misinformation.
• Prepare Early: Use WASSCE results to strategize secondary school enrollments, as competition remains fierce for top institutions.
• Monitor Deadlines: Deadlines for re-sit applications and administrative appeals are typically announced by March 2025.

For Educators

Secondary school teachers should update themselves on GES’s professional development programs for 2025. The agency has hinted at expanded online training modules to enhance subject-specific teaching methodologies.

Points of Caution

Misinformed Advocacy Risks

Dr Adutwum’s statements, if baseless, risk undermining public trust in Ghana’s education system. Unsubstantiated critiques could deter international collaborators or donors focused on exam fairness.

Prioritize Official Channels

GES warned against relying on unverified media reports. Stakeholders are advised to consult the agency’s official website or contact its regional offices for accurate data on WASSCE processes.

Comparison

2025 WASSCE vs. Previous Cycles

Aside from procedural tweaks aimed at boosting efficiency, the 2025 examination mirrors past formats. GES attributes stability in result quality to continuity in staff training and adherence to international assessment standards, countering claims of administrative decline.

Legal Implications

While no formal legal proceedings are underway, GES’s legal team may explore defamation claims if evidence surfaces that Dr Adutwum’s allegations lack factual basis. Public officials commenting on institutional performance risk scrutiny under Ghana’s Libel Act, 1993—though critics argue robust accountability is essential for transparency.

Conclusion

The GES-Dr Adutwum dispute underscores ongoing challenges in managing public perception of educational administration in Ghana. As the 2025 WASSCE results stand validated, stakeholders must advocate for evidence-based dialogue to strengthen trust in the system.

FAQ

Sources

1. Official Ghana Education Service Press Release, December 1, 2024.
2. Government of Ghana, Ministry of Education Archive.
3. Contact email: officeofpublicrelations@ges.gov.gh