By Joyce Danso, GNA
Accra, March 13, GNA – The Ministry of Education (MOE) will continue to work closely with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and stakeholders to safeguard the credibility and integrity of examinations in Ghana, Dr Clemence A. Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, has said.
He said the Ministry would also continue to support efforts of WAEC in strengthening the credibility and effectiveness of examinations.
“As a nation committed to excellence and integrity, we must collectively reject examination malpractices,” he said.
Dr Apaak said this at the WAEC Distinction Awards Ceremony for 2025 WASSCE for School Candidates in Accra.
The Awards, established in 1984 by the WAEC Endowment Fund, seeks to reward excellence, integrity and hard work of candidates who distinguished themselves.
Dr Apaak noted that it was deeply worrying when incidence of examination malpractices were reported during examination periods.
“Practices such as impersonation, collusion and activities of so called ‘miracle centres’ undermine the credibility of Ghana’s education systems and same eroded public confidence in our certificates,” he said.
He said examinations such as those of WAEC’s remained an essential mechanism for accessing learning outcomes and maintaining educational standards.
“Examinations must, therefore, be conducted with the highest level of integrity and fairness,” he added.
Dr Apaak said government remained fully committed to strengthening the quality, relevance and accessibility to education at all levels.
“Our goal is to ensure that Ghanaian Students receive an education that equip them with knowledge, skills, and values to compete confidently in the global knowledge economy.”
To the awardees, he said their achievement demonstrated that excellence was attainable when talent was combined with discipline and commitment.
Their success was a testament to countless hours of study, sacrifices made and massive support received from their teachers and parents, he noted.
“You have set an example for students across Ghana and beyond, proving that with focus and determination greatness is possible,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Education further tasked the awardees to remain focused to pursue the next phase of academic and professional journey.
He said the world was full of opportunities but also present were challenges.
“Let the determination that brought you this far guide you to strive to become responsible leaders and problem solvers for Ghana and beyond. Never lose sight of the values of integrity and service to humanity,” told the awardees.
Dr Mrs Rosemond Wilson, the Head of National Office, WAEC, said the Council has intensified stakeholders’ engagements to raise awareness about the dangers of examination malpractices and the damage it caused the credibility of certificates.
She encouraged the awardees to become ambassadors of integrity by promoting the values of honesty, hard work, and fairness in all academic pursuits.
“Continue to pursue excellence and remember that the future you seek is built not through short cuts, but through hard work, integrity and determination,” Dr Wilsaon said.
She paid glowing tribute to the gallant teachers who nurtured the awardees, saying their dedication, guidance and sacrifice had helped to raise responsible citizens and future leaders.
This year’s WAEC Distinction Top Awards was swept by three young females; Suglo Huda Suleman and Paula Adzo Elinam Sowu, both former students of Legacy Girls’ College, were adjudged first and second prize winners respectively, (WASSCE for School Candidates, 2025 Overall Best Candidates).
Mathea Aba Andoh, former student of Hope College, won the 3rd Prize.
In the various programmes (WASSCE 2025), Miss Suleman was adjudged best candidate in General Arts, and Ameera Issifu of Hope College, Best candidate in General Science.
Eric Aduamoah Larbi of Presbyterian Boys Senior High School was adjudged the best candidate in Business, and Philip Dadzie Quaicoe of Mfantsipim School was adjudged the best candidate for Technical Programme.
They were presented with cash prizes, laptops and dictionaries.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe