President John Dramani Mahama has expressed deep concern over the poor performance recorded in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), attributing the disappointing outcomes to years of neglect in Ghana’s basic education system.

Speaking at the National Launch of STEMBox for Basic Schools in Accra on Wednesday, December 4, President Mahama emphasized the urgent need for reforms in foundational learning and directed the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to thoroughly analyze the examiners’ report issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

“Something Went Disastrously Wrong” — President Mahama

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama expressed shock at the sharp decline in performance, questioning how an entire cohort could perform poorly despite having the same learning environment as previous years.

“I was speaking with the Minister and I have asked them to do an analysis of the examiner’s report to try and decipher what could have gone so disastrously wrong,” he said.

The President described the 2025 results as “mind-boggling,” stressing that the government, parents, educators, and the general public have every reason to be concerned.

Neglect of Basic Education a Major Factor

President Mahama stated that the poor national performance reflects deeper structural issues within the education system, particularly at the basic level. He pointed to years of inadequate funding, irregular capitation grant payments, and insufficient support for primary school teachers.

“One of the major things that has taken place in the last several years is the neglect of basic education… Because it is that level that prepares the child for secondary and tertiary education. Once you don’t get that level right, you will just send the child through a conveyer belt,” he noted.

He stressed that foundational learning remains the single most important factor determining student success in higher education.

Breakdown of 2025 WASSCE Performance

The 2025 WASSCE results released by WAEC reveal significant declines across key core subjects.

Performance by Core Subjects (A1–C6):

• English Language: 69%
• Social Studies: 55.82%
• Integrated Science: 57.74%
• Core Mathematics: 48.73%

English Language emerged as the strongest subject, with nearly 7 in 10 candidates scoring between A1 and C6. However, Mathematics and Science, critical subjects for STEM pathways, recorded worrying pass rates below 60%.

The results, crucial for university admissions and employment opportunities, have intensified calls for swift and comprehensive reforms.

Government to Implement Urgent Measures

President Mahama assured Ghanaians that his administration will act decisively once the examiner’s report is reviewed. He reaffirmed that improving basic education remains central to building a strong, competitive education system.

The STEMBox initiative, launched at the event, forms part of efforts to strengthen science and technology education from the foundational level.