Ghana Returns to May–June WASSCE-SC After Five Years
GES confirms alignment with other West African countries as exams resume next month
- Ghana returns to May–June WASSCE-SC after five years
- Exams will align with other WAEC member countries
- Preparations for students and teachers underway
Ghana will rejoin four other West African countries in the common May–June West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates (WASSCE-SC) this year, five years after conducting its own Ghana-only version due to COVID-19 disruptions.
The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, confirmed in an interview that Ghana is set to write the May–June exams alongside Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.
“Yes, we are returning to the international exams, so we are writing May–June with the other West African countries,” he stated.
Background
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to shift WASSCE-SC from May–June to late July through early September. In 2021, the exams ran from August 16 to October 8.
While other WAEC member countries quickly aligned their academic calendars to return to the May–June schedule, Ghana continued with a standalone version of the exam for five years.
Preparations for Return
Preparations for Ghana’s return began last year to ensure the national calendar aligned with WAEC’s May–June schedule. The exams will commence next month, starting with practical and project work.
Speaking at the 2025 WAEC Distinction Awards, Prof. Davis said schools have been notified to prepare students for the exams, expressing hope that Ghanaian candidates would rank among the top three.
“That is our hope, that is our belief. We are encouraging our students to do their best to continue to keep Ghana in the limelight,” he said.
Advice to Students and Teachers
Prof. Davis urged candidates to study diligently, avoid seeking external help, and shun all forms of examination malpractice. He also called on teachers to support students in their preparation to ensure results reflect true academic performance.
“They should work hard; they can do it. Success will be theirs if they prepare well,” he said.
COVID-19 Suspension
In March 2020, WAEC suspended WASSCE-SC in response to the pandemic. At that time, 357,737 candidates had been registered for the exams, but the health crisis and government protocols made holding the exams impossible.
