The West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) provides a framework for comparing educational outcomes across different countries in West Africa. Below is a
comparison of WASSCE results for Ghana with specific countries in the region, focusing on trends in pass rates and subject performances.
1. Ghana:
Overall Pass Rate: In recent years, Ghana has seen pass rates range from 60%-70% in core subjects. For example, the 2021
WASSCE results reported a pass rate of approximately 65%.
Subjects: Ghanaian students typically perform well in English Language and Mathematics, with pass rates often exceeding 70% in these subjects.
2. Nigeria:
• Overall Pass Rate: The pass rates for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in Nigeria have been lower than Ghana’s, often ranging between 50%-60%. For instance, the 2021 results indicated a pass rate of around 50.3%.
Subjects: Nigerian students face challenges in core subjects, with mathematics and English Language pass rates often below
50%.
3. Sierra Leone:
• Overall Pass Rate: Sierra Leone has experienced fluctuating pass rates in
WASSCE, generally around 40%-50%. The 2021 results indicated a pass rate of approximately 45%.
• Subjects: Students in Sierra Leone struggle significantly in mathematics and English, with pass rates typically below 50%.
4. The Gambia:
Overall Pass Rate: The Gambia’s pass rates in WASSCE have been relatively low, averaging around 50%. Recent results show similar trends, with 2021 reporting a pass rate of about 55%.
Subjects: Performance in core subjects such as mathematics and English Language is also a concern, with pass rates often below the national average.
5. Liberia:
Overall Pass Rate: Liberia’s performance has historically been lower, with pass rates around 30%-40%. The 2021 results reflected a pass rate of approximately 40%.
Subjects: Students face significant difficulties in both English Language and mathematics, often achieving pass rates lower than 30%.
Conclusion:
Ghana generally outperforms its neighboring West African countries in WASSCE results, with higher pass rates and better performance in core subjects like English Language and Mathematics. In contrast, countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia face ongoing challenges that impact their students’ success. Addressing educational disparities, improving resource allocation, and enhancing teacher training will be essential for improving WASSCE outcomes across the region.
By continuing to focus on these areas, Ghana and its neighboring countries can work toward achieving better educational results for their students.
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