Akufo Addo’s 2016 WASSCE results figures inaccurate-Dubawa

In his final State of the Nation Address on January 3, 2025, President Nana Akufo-Addo celebrated the achievements in Ghana’s education sector, particularly emphasizing the impact of the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme introduced in 2017.
A major focus of his address was the improvement in student performance in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) over the years.
He highlighted significant gains in pass rates for core subjects from 2016 to 2024:
English: Pass rates increased from 51.6% in 2016 to 69.52% in 2024. Integrated Science: Pass rates rose from 48.35% in 2016 to 58.77% in 2024. Mathematics: Pass rates jumped from 33.12% in 2016 to 66.86% in 2024.However, a review of the 2016 data from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) revealed slight inaccuracies in the figures cited by the president:
English: 53.19% passed in 2016 (1.6 percentage points higher than the president’s figure of 51.6%). Integrated Science: 48.48% passed (0.15 percentage points higher than the 48.35% claimed). Mathematics: 32.8% passed (0.32 percentage points lower than the president’s stated 33.12%).While these discrepancies are minor, they underscore the importance of precise data in official addresses to foster public trust and informed discussions on national progress.
President Akufo-Addo’s address underscored the transformative impact of the Free SHS programme, which expanded access to secondary education for thousands of Ghanaian students.
The improved pass rates in 2024—69.52% in English, 58.77% in Integrated Science, and 66.86% in Mathematics—highlight the programme’s role in enhancing educational outcomes.
The administration’s investments in school infrastructure, teacher training, and educational resources were pivotal in achieving these results.
The data, verified by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), reflects the programme’s positive influence on the quality of education in Ghana.
Despite the minor inaccuracies in the 2016 figures, the president’s tenure has undeniably marked significant progress in the education sector.
Accurate representation of historical data is crucial to maintaining the credibility of these achievements and ensuring that the narrative of progress remains undisputed.
President Akufo-Addo’s legacy in education, particularly through the Free SHS initiative, will remain a cornerstone of his administration’s contributions to Ghana’s development.
Trending News
President Mahama completes ministerial appointments
02:05Margins Group joins OmniBSIC Bank health walk to promote staff wellness and team spirit
03:19Commonwealth official to lead petition for pardon of Ato Essien
13:56Ethnicity and religion do not determine election outcomes in Ghana-Asah-Asante
01:39WN/R: Health Minister donates incubators and motorcycles to boost healthcare delivery in Juaboso
02:59President Mahama launches “no fees stress” policy to remove financial barriers to tertiary education
01:49Kennedy Agyepong’s actions contributed to NPP’s 2024 defeat –Appiah Koranteng
01:15Tema East MP honoured as “Leader of Excellence” at Achievers International Awards
02:26Joyce Bawah Mogtari and IMLI alumni champion maritime innovation at maiden leadership day
01:30NPP reforms artificial not targeted at uniting party-Lecturer reveals
00:47