The Minority in Parliament says the sharp fall in the 2025 WASSCE results points to a deepening crisis in Ghana’s education sector.
The caucus says it is shocked and disappointed by the performance released by WAEC and believes the decline must worry every stakeholder.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by Ranking Member on the Education Committee, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minority said the results show clear drops in all four core subjects compared to 2024.
It said English Language recorded 69 per cent, Mathematics 48.73 per cent, Integrated Science 57.74 per cent and Social Studies 55.82 per cent.
It said the results are far below the 2024 performance, which saw English at 69.52 per cent, Mathematics at 66.86 per cent, Integrated Science at 58.77 per cent and Social Studies at 71.53 per cent.
The Minority said that what is more troubling is the steep fall in Mathematics. It said the subject had seen consistent improvement from 2022 to 2024, moving from 61.39 per cent to 62.23 per cent and then 66.86 per cent.
It said the drop to 48.73 per cent is “an unfortunate and unacceptable outcome that needs to be examined and rectified.”
The caucus argued that the previous government improved learning outcomes through what it called pragmatic policies and interventions.
It cited the 2016 WASSCE results as evidence of what it describes as a weaker starting point. It said English Language scored 51.6 per cent, Integrated Science 48.35 per cent, Mathematics 33.12 per cent and Social Studies 54.55 per cent in 2016.
It said comparing that to 2024 shows clear improvement under the NPP government.
According to the Minority, the current administration should have built on what it inherited. It said if the government cannot enhance the improved performance, “the least they can do is to maintain it, and not to lower it.”
It said the new government is “retrogressively resetting education in the country.”
The caucus said the government has started on the wrong note but must remember its responsibility to Ghana’s children. It said the government must admit failure, find appropriate remedies and ensure better outcomes going forward.
The Minority also criticised the Ghana Education Service over its December 1 statement. It said the GES is wrong to attribute the decline to the natural abilities of candidates and enhanced invigilation.
It said, “This attempt to blame the candidates, and not to examine internal practices and interventions by the service and ministry, is unprofessional and unethical.”
The caucus questioned why GES mentioned fear arising from strict supervision. It asked whether that fear could be a reason for the poor performance.
It said invigilation protects the credibility of exams, but should not create anxiety that affects performance.
It said it is strange that the GES did not mention other factors that shape learning. It asked whether the service is suggesting that invigilation alone produces better outcomes.
The Minority concluded that the results, especially in Mathematics, are discouraging and troubling.
It said the Ministry of Education and the GES must act quickly to reverse the decline. It said they must strengthen oversight, provide effective leadership and stop engaging in blame.