Stakeholders in the education sector have called for sustained professional development training for basic school teachers to effectively implement the standards-based curriculum.

According to the Ho Municipal Director of Education, Dr. Esther Yeboah-Adzimah, many learners are struggling to grasp subjects under the new curriculum, particularly due to its emphasis on critical thinking.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of an educational walk organised for the 2025 Basic School graduates by the Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Dr. Yeboah-Adzimah explained that the curriculum is designed to encourage learners to think critically when answering questions.

She noted with concern that a survey conducted following the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) revealed that about 90% of candidates were unable to answer questions in Mathematics and Science correctly.

“The results from the survey showed that about 90% of the candidates told me they found it difficult to answer Science and Mathematics questions because of the critical thinking component,” she stated.

“This is a wake-up call for all of us to prioritise professional development training for our teachers and improve school-based supervision of instruction. We must also monitor classwork effectively,” she added.

Dr. Yeboah-Adzimah further urged enhanced supervision in schools to ensure that teachers set classwork and examinations in alignment with the standards-based curriculum.

She expressed optimism about improved performance in the just-ended BECE, citing the enhanced preparations made ahead of the examinations.

“I am confident that there will be an improvement in the results this year,” she affirmed.

Dr. Yeboah-Adzimah also advised graduates to avoid social vices, particularly substance abuse and sexual activity, while they await their results.

“They need to be counselled and guided on the consequences of drug use and immoral acts, which could negatively affect their future,” she cautioned.