A total of 461,640 final-year Senior High School (SHS) students across Ghana are sitting for this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates, which officially began today, Monday, August 4, with practical project work in Art and Design subjects.
The candidate population comprises 207,381 males and 254,259 females, representing a slight increase of 1,029 over last year’s total of 460,611 candidates.
This year's exam marks the fourth consecutive cohort of Ghanaian students writing a Ghana only version of the WASSCE, a measure introduced following the COVID-19 pandemic induced academic calendar adjustments in 2020. Meanwhile, other WAEC member countries Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia have since returned to the traditional May/June schedule.
Practical Exams Underway
Candidates begin their examination journey with project work in Basketry, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Jewellery, Leatherwork, and other practical subjects. These sessions will run through to Friday, August 22, 2025.
Exams are being administered at 701 designated centres, with students drawn from an equal number of SHSs nationwide. The process is being overseen by 701 supervisors, 1,391 assistant supervisors, and 15,391 invigilators to ensure integrity and smooth conduct.
Regional Candidate Distribution
The Ashanti Region leads with the highest number of candidates:
- 115,982 total (52,813 males, 63,169 females)
Other regional figures include:
- Eastern Region: 64,225 (28,024 males, 36,201 females)
- Bono, Bono East & Ahafo: 61,773 (27,560 males, 34,213 females)
- Central Region: 53,738 (23,090 males, 30,648 females)
- Greater Accra: 45,877 (20,948 males, 24,929 females)
- Volta & Oti Regions: 35,539 (16,729 males, 18,810 females)
- Western & Western North: 33,121 (14,156 males, 18,965 females)
- Northern, North East & Savannah: 29,652 (14,712 males, 14,940 females)
- Upper East: 13,976 (5,918 males, 8,058 females)
- Upper West: 7,757 (3,431 males, 4,326 females)
Government Pays for Practical Exams
In support of candidates, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has disbursed GH¢15.85 million to cover the cost of practical examinations.
According to a statement signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations at GES, the funds are intended to ensure all schools have the required materials and equipment for the practical sessions.
“The government remains committed to easing the financial burden on parents and guardians, while enabling students to fully focus on their academic performance,” the statement noted.
The written components of the WASSCE will follow the practicals in the coming weeks, rounding out the 2025 exam cycle.
