The government has rejected claims that it is responsible for the sharp decline recorded in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
Speaking amid growing public criticism over the poor performance, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said the results cannot be attributed to the government or education authorities, describing the situation as a wake-up call for stakeholders in the education sector.
Mr. Iddrisu made the remarks during the inauguration of the governing councils of four Colleges of Education, where he called for a comprehensive assessment of secondary education to improve quality, infrastructure and outcomes.
“In Ghana, when students perform well, we credit the students. When they fail, we blame the Minister. I refuse to accept that the government of President Mahama, the Ministry of Education, or the assessment body is responsible for this poor performance,” he stated.
According to the Minister, the disappointing results should prompt a broader review of quality assurance, teaching standards, and infrastructure deficits within secondary schools across the country.
He pointed to longstanding infrastructure challenges, noting that many institutions have seen no significant expansion for years despite increasing student populations.
“Many institutions, from many years ago till yesterday, are still operating with the same infrastructure. Over the years, not a single dormitory or building has been added to their facilities,” he said.
As part of efforts to address these challenges, Mr. Iddrisu disclosed that the government has secured $200 million in funding from the World Bank to end the double-track system in senior high schools.
He outlined plans to upgrade school categories nationwide, stating that the government intends to convert 30 Category C schools to Category B, 10 Category B schools to Category A, and expand infrastructure in all Category A schools.
The Minister said these measures demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving educational standards, learning conditions, and overall student performance in the coming years.
