Early analysis of the 2025 WASSCE results alongside tertiary admissions data suggests that only about 160,000 candidates are likely to secure places in tertiary institutions for the 2025/26 academic year. This represents a notable drop from the approximately 195,000 admissions recorded in the previous year, sparking concerns about a steep decline in Ghana’s transition rate from secondary to tertiary education.

In a statement issued on Friday, January 16, Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) explained that the situation goes beyond examination outcomes. The organisation noted that many students who have met admission requirements are unable to enrol because they cannot afford tuition and related fees, despite the academic year already being underway.

Eduwatch warned that if the trend is not reversed quickly, the country’s tertiary transition rate could fall from nearly 40 percent in the 2024/25 academic year to about 35 percent, potentially one of the lowest levels in the last ten years. The group added that it has been raising concerns about the looming decline since November 2025.

The education policy think tank called for urgent intervention to ensure financially constrained students are not excluded from higher education. According to Eduwatch, timely action by the Ministry of Finance could still help avert a further drop in enrolment.

“If the Ministry of Finance releases funds promptly to cover the fees of qualified students currently unable to enrol, thousands more could still gain admission,” the statement said.