Over 460,000 Students Begin 2025 WASSCE with Practical Project Work

The 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) officially commenced on Monday, August 4, with practical project work in selected visual arts subjects, marking the beginning of a crucial academic milestone for thousands of Ghanaian students.

According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), a total of 461,640 final-year Senior High School (SHS) students are participating in this year’s examination across the country. The breakdown includes 207,381 males and 254,259 females from both public and private schools, reflecting a continued growth in female enrolment and participation in Ghana’s secondary education sector.

The examination began with practical work in vocational and visual arts disciplines, including Basketry, Ceramics, Graphic Design, and related areas. These initial project-based assessments are designed to test students’ creativity, skill development, and technical knowledge before written papers begin.

Speaking to the media, a WAEC spokesperson emphasized the importance of the practical sessions as part of a holistic education strategy that values both theoretical and applied knowledge. “These practicals are a crucial component of the examination process. They allow students to demonstrate hands-on competence in areas that are not only academic but also vocationally important to national development,” the spokesperson noted.

WAEC has assured the public that it has collaborated with the Ghana Education Service (GES) and other stakeholders to ensure that all examination centres are well-prepared and secure. Measures have been put in place to prevent examination malpractice, including the deployment of examination security officers and the use of exam management software to track irregularities.

In addition, regional and district examination coordinators have been tasked with supervising compliance with standard operating procedures, and invigilators have undergone fresh training to ensure consistency and fairness across centres.

The Ministry of Education has called on parents, teachers, and school heads to offer moral and psychological support to students during the exam period. “We understand that WASSCE can be a very stressful time. We encourage everyone around these young candidates to be supportive and encouraging, as this directly impacts their performance,” a Ministry official said.

Schools have been advised to provide conducive environments, such as quiet zones and access to meals and water, especially during the more intense exam days.

After the initial week of practical work, students will move on to core subjects including English Language, Integrated Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies, as well as their respective elective subjects based on their academic tracks.

The full WASSCE timetable spans several weeks and is expected to conclude by mid-September 2025. WAEC has made the timetable available to all registered schools and published it online to improve transparency and planning.

This year’s WASSCE is also significant as it reflects the continued impact of Ghana’s Free SHS policy, which has seen increased enrolment and access to secondary education since its implementation. Analysts are closely watching how this large group of candidates will perform, as it could serve as a measure of the policy’s academic outcomes.

The successful start of the 2025 WASSCE is a testament to the resilience and dedication of Ghana’s educational institutions, teachers, and students. As thousands of young Ghanaians take this step toward their future, the nation watches with hope and pride.

WAEC and the Ministry of Education have both reiterated their commitment to ensuring a smooth and fair examination process, urging all candidates to maintain discipline, follow exam regulations, and aim for excellence.

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