GES calls for calm as 2025 WASSCE results spark concern over core subject failures
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has appealed for calm after the release of the 2025 results of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates, saying that misconceptions and panic over performance figures do little to address underlying education challenges.
In a public statement GES acknowledged the sharp decline in pass rates, especially in core subjects such as mathematics and social studies, but urged parents, students and educators to avoid jumping to conclusions based on national averages alone. The service said that while overall statistics show a worrying trend, it is necessary to examine the data at the school level before drawing definitive judgments.
According to WAEC’s provisional data, only 48.73% of candidates obtained passing grades (A1–C6) in Core Mathematics this year, compared with 66.86% in 2024. The dropout in performance has been widely interpreted as a sign of systemic problems. In Social Studies only 55.82% passed, marking another significant decline. Failure rates across other core subjects also rose
GES explained that these aggregate results must be carefully analysed. The performance of individual schools, the varying resources and teaching capacities, and the socio-economic background of students must all be considered. The service warned against generalising the failure as a nationwide educational collapse.
Education experts have also weighed in. Some argue that the poor performance likely reflects deep root problems such as weak foundational skills from basic and junior high levels, inadequate teaching methods, shortage of qualified teachers, and insufficient instructional materials. Others highlight that stricter invigilation and enforcement of exam rules this year may have exposed longstanding weaknesses that had previously been masked.
GES added that the national averages — while useful for general oversight — cannot replace systematic school-by-school evaluations to determine which institutions performed well, which under-performed, and why. It called on school administrators and district education offices to conduct internal reviews, strengthen remedial teaching, and support students who struggle.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some parents are deeply concerned, questioning whether senior high schools are adequately preparing students for exams. Others believe panic and criticism will worsen pressure on students and demoralise teachers. GES asked stakeholders to engage constructively, focusing on reforms and support rather than blame.
As discussions continue, GES pledged to increase monitoring of teaching quality and to work with WAEC and other stakeholders to strengthen teacher training and curriculum delivery. The service urged collective effort to ensure that the 2025 WASSCE outcome becomes a catalyst for systemic improvement rather than a cause for despair.
