2025 WASSCE Commences Across Ghana with Over 461,000 Candidates.

The 2025 edition of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has officially commenced across Ghana, marking a pivotal moment for over 461,000 final-year students nationwide. The exams began with practical project work in creative subjects such as Basketry, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Jewellery, and Leatherwork, setting the tone for a rigorous academic season.

This year’s WASSCE sees a record 461,640 candidates registered across 701 examination centres, with a notable gender distribution:

Male candidates: 207,381

Female candidates: 254,259

The Ashanti Region leads with the highest candidate turnout — 115,982 students — underscoring its educational density and institutional reach.

To safeguard the integrity of the exams, the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) have deployed 15,391 invigilators and established security posts in volatile areas such as Nkwanta and parts of the Northern Region. Authorities have reiterated a zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice, warning that staff found complicit will face dismissal and prosecution.

In a bid to ease financial burdens, the government has released GH¢15.8 million to cover practical exam fees for all candidates. This move has been widely applauded by parents and educators, especially in underserved communities.

Start Date: August 5, 2025

Written Papers Begin: August 20, 2025

End Date: September 19, 2025

Subjects Offered: 65

Average Papers per Candidate: 8

This year’s WASSCE is the third under Ghana’s “Ghana-only” calendar, a shift from the harmonized West African schedule. While it allows for tailored curriculum pacing, it also raises questions about regional comparability, tertiary admissions timelines, and cross-border academic mobility.