The Institution for Education Studies (IFEST) has called on the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to publicly outline clear, measurable strategies aimed at improving students’ performance in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In a press release issued after analysing the 2025 WASSCE results, the education-focused institution said persistent weaknesses remain in key core subjects, particularly Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies, despite marginal improvements recorded in some areas.

According to IFEST, the latest results point to “systemic gaps in instructional quality, examination preparedness, learning resources, and supervision,” as well as uneven performance across regions and school categories.

“The 2025 results underscore the urgent need for a coordinated, evidence-based intervention strategy to enhance student achievement nationwide,” the institution stated.

IFEST is therefore urging the Ministry of Education and GES to clearly communicate the measures being put in place to ensure a significant improvement in outcomes for WASSCE 2026.

The institution outlined several strategic areas where it is seeking clarity.

Curriculum implementation and coverage
IFEST wants to know what mechanisms exist to ensure timely and complete syllabus coverage in all senior high schools, and how curriculum supervision is being strengthened to guarantee that teaching aligns with approved standards.

Teacher capacity and professional development
The institution is calling for details on targeted in-service training programmes for teachers, especially those handling core subjects. It also asked whether there is a structured remediation plan for schools that consistently record poor results.

Student academic support systems
IFEST questioned whether national or regional remedial interventions are being rolled out for final-year students in high-risk subjects, and what structured mock examination frameworks are being introduced to improve exam readiness.

Monitoring, supervision and accountability
The group is seeking information on performance indicators being used to monitor SHS heads and subject teachers, as well as how district and regional education directors will be held accountable for improvements in results.

Teaching and learning resources
IFEST further asked what steps are being taken to ensure equitable access to textbooks, laboratory equipment, ICT tools and past examination materials across schools.

Data-driven interventions
The institution wants to know how detailed analysis of the 2025 WASSCE results is informing policy decisions, targeted interventions and resource allocation for the 2026 examination.

Student welfare and motivation
It also highlighted the need for stronger psychosocial support systems, including guidance and counselling, to help improve student focus and academic performance.

IFEST stressed that improving WASSCE outcomes goes beyond examination statistics and speaks directly to Ghana’s human capital development.

“Improving WASSCE outcomes is not merely about examination statistics; it is a matter of national human capital development,” the statement noted.

The institution has therefore urged the Ministry of Education and GES to publish a comprehensive action plan for WASSCE 2026, complete with timelines, measurable performance benchmarks and clear monitoring frameworks.

“The academic future of Ghanaian students depends on decisive and accountable leadership,” IFEST added.