The Deputy Minister for Education, Clement Apaak, has commended Ghana’s top-performing candidates in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, urging students to maintain discipline and integrity in their educational journey.

Speaking at the WAEC Distinction Awards ceremony held in Cantonments, Accra, on 12 March, Dr Apaak said the awardees had distinguished themselves through commitment, perseverance and hard work.

“The students we honour here today have distinguished themselves in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination through hard work and determination,” he said.

He noted that their achievements demonstrate that excellence can be attained when talent is combined with discipline and dedication.

“This achievement demonstrates that excellence is attainable when talent is combined with discipline and commitment,” he added.

Congratulating the award winners, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the sacrifices and strong support systems that contributed to their success.

“To our award winners, I extend my warmest felicitations to all of you. Your success is a testament to the countless hours of study, the sacrifices you have made, and the support you have received from teachers, parents, and your mentors.”

He also described the awardees as role models for other students across the country.

“You have set an example for students across the Republic of Ghana and beyond, proving that with focus and determination, greatness is possible.”

Dr Apaak further highlighted the crucial role played by teachers, parents and school authorities in shaping the academic success of the students.

“While we celebrate excellence, we must also acknowledge the critical role played by teachers, parents and the school authorities. Your dedication to nurturing and guiding these young minds has been instrumental in their success,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Education and the Government of Ghana, he commended educators and stakeholders for their contributions to the country’s development and emphasised the importance of credible examination systems.

“On behalf of the Minister for Education and the Government of Ghana, I commend you for your invaluable contribution to shaping the future of our republic. Examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council remain an essential mechanism for assessing learning outcomes and maintaining educational standards. They must therefore be conducted with the highest levels of integrity and fairness.”

The Deputy Minister also expressed concern about examination malpractice, warning that such practices threaten the credibility of the country’s education system.

“It is therefore deeply worrying when incidents of examination malpractice are reported during examination periods. Reports of impersonation, collusion, and the activities of so-called ‘miracle centres’ undermine the credibility of our education system and erode public confidence in our certificates.”

He assured that the Ministry of Education (Ghana) would continue to collaborate with WAEC and other stakeholders to safeguard the credibility of national examinations.

“The Minister of Education will continue to work closely with WAEC and other stakeholders to safeguard the credibility and integrity of our examinations.”

Dr Apaak reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the quality, relevance and accessibility of education in Ghana.

“The Government of Ghana remains fully committed to strengthening the quality, relevance and accessibility of education at all levels. Our goal is to ensure that Ghanaian students receive an education that equips them with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to compete confidently in the global knowledge economy.”

Addressing the award winners directly, he encouraged them to remain focused as they progress in their academic and professional journeys.

“To the award winners here today, I encourage you to remain focused as you pursue the next phase of your academic and professional journeys. The world is full of opportunities, but it also presents challenges.”

He urged them to rely on the same determination that brought them success as they prepare to contribute to national and global development.

“Let the discipline and determination that brought you this far guide you as you strive to become responsible leaders, innovators and problem solvers for Ghana and the world.”

Dr Apaak also advised the students to remain humble and uphold strong values as they pursue future success.

“Remain humble, continue to work hard and never lose sight of the values of integrity and service to humanity,” he said.

He further commended WAEC for its efforts in maintaining high examination standards across the sub-region.

“As I bring my address to a close, I wish to commend the West African Examinations Council for its consistent effort in maintaining high standards in the conduct of examinations across our sub-region.”

He assured the examination body of the Ministry’s continued collaboration in strengthening the examination system.

“The Ministry of Education will continue to support your efforts whilst working collaboratively to further strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of our examination system.”

Concluding his address, Dr Apaak once again congratulated the award winners and expressed hope that their achievements would inspire other young Ghanaians to pursue academic excellence.

“Once again, on behalf of the Minister for Education and the Government of Ghana, I heartily congratulate all the award winners. May your achievements inspire many more young Ghanaians to pursue excellence in education.”

The WAEC Distinction Awards are conferred annually by the West African Examinations Council to honour candidates who excel in the WASSCE for School Candidates across the sub-region.