The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has confirmed growing national concerns following the release of the provisional WASSCE 2025 results, which reveal a dramatic spike in outright failure rates (Grade F9) across all four core subjects compared to the 2024 examination year.
Sharp Rise in F9 Rates Across Core Subjects
A detailed analysis of the official data shows an alarming surge in the number of candidates who scored F9—particularly in Mathematics and Social Studies.
- Core Mathematics: The failure rate has nearly quadrupled, rising sharply from 6.10% in 2024 to 26.77% in 2025. This means almost one in every four candidates failed the subject outright.
- Social Studies: The failure rate almost tripled in just one year, increasing from 9.55% in 2024 to 27.50% in 2025, representing a staggering 188% jump.
The sharp decline in performance was not limited to these two subjects. Both Integrated Science and English Language saw their F9 rates more than double:
- Integrated Science: Up from 7.12% in 2024 to 16.05% in 2025.
- English Language: Increased from 5.88% in 2024 to 12.86% in 2025.
Overall, the data paints a troubling picture of weakening foundational knowledge among the 461,736 candidates who registered for the 2025 examination.
F9 Rate Comparison: 2024 vs. 2025
| Core Subject | 2024 F9 % | 2025 F9 % |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Core) | 6.10% | 26.77% |
| Social Studies | 9.55% | 27.50% |
| Integrated Science | 7.12% | 16.05% |
| English Language | 5.88% | 12.86% |
Integrity Crisis: Record High Exam Malpractice Sanctions
The credibility of the 2025 examination cycle suffered a major blow as the release of the provisional results on November 29, 2025, was overshadowed by a sweeping crackdown on examination malpractice.
The Ghana Examinations Committee approved heavy sanctions affecting thousands of candidates and dozens of school officials.
Major Sanctions Issued
- Subject Results Cancelled:
6,295 candidates had their results in specific subjects cancelled for possessing unauthorized materials such as notes, textbooks, and printed sheets. - Entire Results Cancelled:
The entire results of 653 candidates were nullified due to the possession of mobile phones inside the exam hall. - Withheld Results:
- Subject results of 908 candidates remain withheld.
- Entire results of 158 candidates are also on hold pending completion of investigations.
- School Collusion:
Results from 185 schools have been withheld over suspected acts of collusion.
WAEC further reported that 35 individuals, including 19 teachers, were implicated in compromising the examination process. All are facing legal and disciplinary action, with 19 offenders already arraigned and convicted, receiving fines or custodial sentences
