The Project Management Specialist for the education think tank Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has expressed serious concern regarding the outcome of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, describing the performance as troubling.
He called upon all stakeholders to collaborate in addressing the underlying challenges that contributed to this outcome.
The specialist noted a significant difference when comparing the 2024 and 2025 results. He highlighted that Core Mathematics and Social Studies registered a substantial increase in failures, while English Language and Integrated Science saw a comparatively insignificant failure rate.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the specialist explained that Eduwatch is currently awaiting the Chief Examiner’s Report on the WASSCE results before providing a detailed, comprehensive assessment.
However, based on Eduwatch’s preliminary observations, it appears that inadequate student preparation was a primary factor.
He stated, “We have observed that preparation by many of the candidates was poor. A lot of the students don’t adequately prepare and so when they sit for the exams and the questions are not familiar and a bit twisted, then it becomes a challenge. The second observation was that some of the topics were difficult with the students unable to answer them.” This suggests a dual problem involving both a lack of thorough student readiness and difficulty with certain curriculum topics.
The specialist also touched upon invigilation, acknowledging that the process was noticeably stricter, making it more difficult for candidates to engage in malpractice or for teachers and invigilators to offer assistance, a practice observed in previous years.
While some isolated instances of exam malpractice were recorded, he stressed that the issue was not as widespread as in previous examinations.
Mr. Kofi Nkansah Sarkodie stressed the need to enhance student readiness and preparedness for the WASSCE to prevent a recurrence of this year’s adverse results.
He called for a thorough probe into the matter and for recommendations to be designed to achieve better outcomes in subsequent years.
He further proposed refresher courses for teachers focused on improved teaching methods for preparing students for their final exams, adding that the scheduled contact hours in schools must be fully utilised.
Additionally, he advised the Parent Teacher Associations in schools to collaborate closely with management to address identified systemic challenges.
The specialist called on authorities to rigorously sanction or penalize those caught engaging in exam malpractice to establish a strong deterrent.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
