Ghana Education disaster deepens as WASSCE Results divulge systemic gaps – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results in Ghana have sparked national concern, exposing critical shortcomings in the country’s education system. With systemic gaps in core subjects like Mathematics, Social Studies, and English, the performance of nearly one million candidates raises urgent questions about the quality of pre-tertiary education. This article examines the alarming trends in the data, explores underlying causes, and outlines actionable steps for reform.

Key Points

Mathematics and Social Studies saw unprecedented failure rates, with Grade F9 scores tripling in both subjects. The A1-C6 pass rate for Core Mathematics plummeted to 48.73%, jeopardizing admissions to universities like the University of Ghana. Systemic issues such as inadequate teacher training, uneven resource distribution, and the Free SHS policy’s unintended consequences compounded academic struggles. Additionally, widespread malpractice scandals and integrity failures further undermine confidence in the results.

Background

Historical Performance Trends

Ghana’s secondary education system has shown gradual improvement since 2016, when Core Mathematics pass rates stood at 33.12%. However, the 2025 downturn marks a stark reversal. While 2022–2024 saw gradual progress, the 2025 results reflect a steep decline, suggesting unresolved foundational issues in primary education, as noted by educationist Prof. Stephen Adei.

Free SHS Policy Controversies

Implemented in 2017 to expand access, the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy has faced critiques over resource strain and diminishing academic accountability. Critics argue reduced financial burdens led to complacency, fostering a “culture of entitlement” among students. Conversely, proponents highlight increased enrollment rates but acknowledge infrastructure and teacher quality gaps.

Analysis

Core Subject Collapse

The failure of 51.27% of candidates to pass Core Mathematics and Social Studies signals a breakdown in pedagogy and curriculum alignment. WAEC identified weaknesses in practical problem-solving, including translating word problems and diagrammatic data representation—skills deemed fundamental across STEM and social sciences.

Political and Systemic Debates

The Minority in Parliament criticized government education officials for downplaying systemic failures, pointing to historical data showing a crash from 2024’s 66.86% pass rate to 48.73% in 2025. Meanwhile, GES defended the results as a true reflection of student ability, citing enhanced invigilation to curb malpractice. Critics dismissed this as deflection, emphasizing that rigorous oversight should not induce anxiety or hinder performance.

Academic Integrity Crisis

An unprecedented 10,000+ candidates faced sanctions, including annulled results and prison warrants for 35 implicated individuals, including teachers. This scandal exposed deep-rooted corruption within the examination system, with 185 schools flagged for collusion. Such incidents erode public trust and compound the crisis.

Practical Advice

Immediate Steps for Stakeholders

1. Curriculum Overhaul: Align primary school teaching methods with global numeracy and literacy standards to address foundational gaps.
2. Teacher Training: Invest in STEM and pedagogy workshops to improve classroom outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.
3. Infrastructure Investment: Address overcrowding in public schools and ensure equitable resource distribution.
4. Mental Health Support: Mitigate stress-related performance drops through counseling programs linked to Free SHS beneficiaries.

Long-Term Reforms

• Decentralize monitoring of school performance to target underperforming districts.
• Establish a national task force to address academic integrity through continuous teacher assessments and transparency measures.

FAQ

Conclusion

The 2025 WASSCE results serve as a wake-up call for Ghana’s education system. Addressing systemic gaps—not just symptoms like malpractice or policy flaws—is critical to rebuilding trust and ensuring future generations meet global educational standards. Collaboration between policymakers, educators, and communities remains imperative.

Sources

• West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Official Reports
• Ghana Education Service (GES) Statements
• Interviews with Prof. Stephen Adei and Mr. John Kapi
• Parliamentary Minority Caucus Briefings