The West African Examinations Council has officially released the provisional results for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for school candidates, revealing a noticeable decline in English Language performance alongside tough sanctions for examination malpractice.
A total of 512,862 candidates, comprising 225,270 males and 287,592 females from 1,022 schools, sat for the national exam, marking an 11.07 per cent increase from the 2025 entry figure. However, 5,049 candidates were recorded absent.
Performance statistics across core subjects showed mixed trends. Social Studies recorded the highest pass rate, with 78.04 per cent of candidates securing grades between A1 and C6, up from 55.82 per cent in 2025. Mathematics (Core) and Integrated Science also recorded improvements, securing pass rates of 60.75 per cent and 62.08 per cent respectively. Conversely, English Language performance continued its downward trajectory over a four-year period, falling to 62.40 per cent from the 69.00 per cent recorded in 2025.
Alongside the performance metrics, the Council announced severe sanctions following decisions taken at the 42nd Meeting of the Ghana Examinations Committee. Subject results of 7,434 candidates were cancelled for bringing foreign materials such as prepared notes and textbooks into examination halls, while 861 candidates suffered full result cancellations for possessing mobile phones. Furthermore, the subject results of 957 candidates and full results of 270 others remain withheld pending investigations into various infractions. Results for candidates across 169 schools have also been withheld for alleged collusion, with final decisions expected by 30 October 2026.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, John K. Kapi, the examination body cautioned candidates and parents against fraudsters.
“The Council would like to caution all its stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for a fee,” Mr Kapi stated. “Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated using its results verification system. The WAEC QR code can be downloaded and used to verify results.”
He added that affected candidates whose results have been withheld or cancelled should access the Council’s online irregularity portal to review the decisions and check the next line of action. Heads of school have been provided with login details to access candidate results, which are also available directly on the official WAEC website.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
