Ghanaian education boards confirmed that final-year SHS students nationwide have joined their West African peers in starting the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination, kicking off with Oral English today.
In a ceremony punctuated by the hum of exam centers and the rustle of answer booklets, educators urged calm, focus, and adherence to guidelines as candidates embarked on the milestone assessment. The nationwide rollout sees more than 500,000 candidates across public and private schools taking their first steps toward the WASSCE, with exam invigilators emphasizing punctuality and integrity.
Education authorities highlighted that the start with Oral English is part of a broader regional schedule designed to standardize testing across member states. Students are expected to proceed through compulsory papers in Core English, Integrated Science, and Mathematics in the coming weeks, followed by elective subjects.
“This is a pivotal moment for our students and for the future of our workforce,” said a regional Education Director. “We’ve put in place rigorous measures to ensure a fair and smooth examination process, including robust security and clear communication channels for any concerns from centers.”
Headteachers within major regional capitals reported a mix of nerves and optimism, noting that many candidates have undergone months of revision, extra coaching sessions, and mock exams. Parents expressed confidence in the resilience of the current crop of graduates, hoping the results will reflect dedication and hard work.
The WASSCE, a collaboration among West African nations to standardize senior secondary certification, continues over the next several weeks. Results are anticipated later in the year, with implications for university admissions, scholarships, and national skill development plans.
As the first paper—Oral English—gets underway, students and administrators alike are reminded to maintain safety protocols and uphold integrity, with officials prepared to address any disruptions promptly.
Bottom line: Over 500,000 candidates begin the 2026 WASSCE across Ghana today, signaling a collective push toward continued academic excellence across West