74th WAEC Annual Council Meeting: Ghana to rejoin international WASSCE – Dr. Apaak

Ghana will rejoin the international WASSCE in 2026 after the government reviewed the impact of conducting a separate national examination, Dr. Clement Apaak has announced.

The Deputy Minister for Education disclosed this at the 74th Annual Council Meeting of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Accra, where member countries are meeting to take key decisions on the future of examinations in the sub-region.

Dr. Apaak explained that the decision follows a careful assessment of Ghana’s previous approach, which saw the country conduct its own version of the WASSCE, separate from other WAEC member states.

“In this light, the Ministry of Education, upon thorough analysis of the pros and cons of the Ghana-only WASSCE, which isolated Ghana in the conduct of WAEC’s WASSCE, and upon directives from His Excellency the President, and I must add Her Excellency the Vice President, a quintessential educationist, the Republic of Ghana is pleased to announce the restoration of Ghana’s participation in the international version of WAEC’s conducted WASSCE,” he said.

He confirmed that the new policy will take effect from next year, bringing Ghana back into the common examination system across the sub-region.

“Ghana will therefore be administering the 2026 WASSCE with other member states,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak noted that the international WASSCE offers several advantages, including improved credibility, compatibility of results, and enhanced competitiveness for students within and beyond West Africa.

“We also acknowledge that the international version of WASSCE conducted by WAEC has more inclination towards credibility, compatibility, regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the impact on students’ competitiveness within the sub-region and beyond,” he said.

He further highlighted the broader importance of examinations in national development, describing them as essential tools for building human capital and driving productivity.

“We acknowledge the critical role examinations play, not only as a means of screening candidates for further educational advancement, but more importantly as an instrument for honing the intellectual and practical skills that are essential for developing the human capital required to drive the service and productive success of member states,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak assured WAEC of Ghana’s continued commitment to maintaining high standards and working closely with the Council to ensure a smooth transition.

“I assure you that the Ministry of Education remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate closely with the Council to ensure an environment that safeguards the integrity of our examination processes,” he added.

The WAEC Annual Council Meeting, hosted in Accra, rotates among member countries—The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone—every five years to review policies and strengthen the sub-region’s examination systems.