The recent WAEC examination results, which recorded a worrying level of failure, have sparked intense public debate. Unfortunately, much of the conversation has taken a political turn rather than focusing on the real issues affecting learning outcomes.
Some commentators claim that the “no fees stress” policy introduced by the current NDC government influenced the results, suggesting that students were deliberately failed to reduce the number of first-year university admissions who would benefit from free tertiary education. Others counter this by arguing that if such political manipulation were possible, then the previously high pass rates under the NPP government could also be interpreted as an attempt to promote the Free SHS policy.
These arguments, however, are purely political and do not address the true causes of the decline in performance.
From an educational and development communication standpoint, what Ghana urgently needs is a thorough, non-partisan investigation into the factors responsible for the mass failure. The quality of education cannot improve when national discussions are reduced to party politics.
A closer look at the senior high school (SHS) environment reveals pressing concerns that require immediate attention. The SHS curriculum needs a comprehensive review to realign it with the core purpose of secondary education. Beyond that, issues of discipline and student attitude have become alarming. Reports from teachers indicate rising levels of disrespect, with some students threatening teachers who enforce discipline.
The misuse of mobile phones in schools has also become a major distraction. Many students spend valuable time on TikTok, engaging in trends, twerking videos, and other unproductive online behaviors, often at the expense of their academic work. Levels of indiscipline and moral decline in some SHS campuses have become too rampant to ignore.
It is also important to emphasize that WAEC examiners are not selected on political lines. There are no NDC or NPP examiners. The integrity of the examination body should not be undermined by partisan claims.
If Ghana is committed to improving educational outcomes, then stakeholders must focus on the real issues, curriculum review, discipline, teaching and learning conditions, parental involvement, and the responsible use of technology within schools.
The future of our students cannot be determined by political narratives. It must be shaped by deliberate reforms, honest assessments, and a collective commitment to strengthening our secondary education system.
By Joseph Coffie Selorm Ahiabenu
