The 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) officially commenced today, Wednesday, August 20, with 461,640 candidates across Ghana sitting for the Oral English paper. Out of the total, 207,381 are males and 254,259 are females, reflecting an increase of 1,029 candidates compared to last year’s figure of 460,611.
This year’s exams are being conducted in phases, with the practical papers having started earlier on August 4. The main written papers, however, began today, marking the full rollout of the examination timetable. Officials say the structure is designed to ease pressure on schools and students while ensuring smooth administration.
It also marks the fourth consecutive year that Ghanaian students are writing the “Ghana-Only” version of the WASSCE, which was introduced after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Previously, the exams were written jointly with other West African countries, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia. The shift has allowed Ghana to maintain full control over its academic calendar and examination processes.
