WASSCE results reveal long‑standing decline, says Dr Kpikpi
PAG presidential hopeful Dr John Kpikpi says this year’s WASSCE results lay bare the true state of Ghana’s education system after years of exam malpractice. He made the remarks following the release of the 2024 WASSCE results on 7 October.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Afternoon Ghana, the candidate warned that the dismal outcomes should not surprise anyone familiar with the entrenched cheating that has long inflated scores.
He explained that parents in many schools willingly pay illegal fees, while some teachers and school officials collude with invigilators to manipulate exam papers. This collusion, he noted, undermines the integrity of the entire system.
“These practices have become so widespread that they create a false sense of academic achievement,” Dr Kpikpi said. He added that such collusion erodes public trust in education.
The candidate commended the West African Examinations Council for its renewed clampdown this year, noting that WAEC’s tighter supervision has finally removed the mask covering student performance. He believes the new measures will deter future cheating.
“WAEC’s renewed crackdown has exposed the real picture of our learners,” he added. He stressed that only a collective effort can reverse the decline.
Dr Kpikpi urged educators, parents and policymakers not to focus solely on the drop in grades but to confront the uncomfortable truths revealed by stricter supervision. He called the results a turning point, saying the nation must use this moment to address deeper problems such as illegal fee‑taking, inadequate invigilation and the need for robust teacher training.
He also highlighted the need for transparent result dissemination. He said the nation must use this as a turning point to fix deeper problems in the education sector.
The Education Ministry has not yet responded to the candidate’s statements, but officials have previously pledged to review examination security ahead of the next WASSCE cycle. The ministry spokesperson said a formal response will be issued soon.
Stakeholders are expected to meet in the coming weeks to discuss concrete reforms that will restore confidence in Ghana’s examination system. The upcoming forum will include representatives from WAEC, the Ghana Education Service and parent bodies.
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