Ghana will rejoin the international West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in 2026 following a government review of its decision to conduct a separate national version of the exam, Deputy Minister for Education Dr Clement Apaak has announced.
Dr Apaak disclosed this at the 74th Annual Council Meeting of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Accra, where member states are meeting to take key decisions on the future of examinations in the sub-region.
He said the decision follows a comprehensive assessment of Ghana’s previous approach, which saw the country conduct its own version of the WASSCE, separate from other WAEC member states.
“In this light, the Ministry of Education, upon thorough analysis of the pros and cons of the Ghana-only WASSCE, which isolated Ghana in the conduct of WAEC’s WASSCE, and upon directives from His Excellency the President, and I must add Her Excellency the Vice President, a quintessential educationist, the Republic of Ghana is pleased to announce the restoration of Ghana’s participation in the international version of WAEC’s conducted WASSCE,” he said.
He confirmed that the policy will take effect next year, with Ghana rejoining the common examination system across the sub-region.
“Ghana will therefore be administering the 2026 WASSCE with other member states,” he said.
Dr Apaak noted that the international WASSCE offers advantages, including enhanced credibility, compatibility of results, and increased competitiveness for students within and beyond West Africa.
“We also acknowledge that the international version of WASSCE conducted by WAEC has more inclination towards credibility, compatibility, regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the impact on students’ competitiveness within the sub-region and beyond,” he said.
He emphasised the broader importance of examinations, describing them as essential tools for developing human capital and supporting national productivity.
“We acknowledge the critical role examinations play, not only as a means of screening candidates for further educational advancement, but more importantly as an instrument for honing the intellectual and practical skills that are essential for developing the human capital required to drive the service and productive success of member states,” he added.
Dr Apaak assured WAEC of Ghana’s commitment to maintaining high standards and ensuring a smooth transition back to the international system.
The WAEC Annual Council Meeting, hosted in Accra, rotates among member countries, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone, every five years to review policies and strengthen examination systems across the sub-region.
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