Northern Region Sees Over 25,000 Candidates for WASSCE

More than 25,000 candidates in Ghana’s Northern Region have begun taking the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The critical exams started on 7 April and will conclude on 15 June. This significant number of students represents a key cohort progressing through Ghana’s education system. The results directly impact their chances for further studies and future careers. The Northern Regional Education Directorate reported that 25,902 candidates are participating. These students come from 30 public senior high schools across the region. Of the total candidates, 11,307 are male. A higher proportion, 14,595, are female students taking these important exams. The examination process is being managed across 31 designated centres. This ensures wide accessibility within the large geographical area of the Northern Region. The Directorate has deployed a substantial number of personnel to ensure the integrity of the exams. This includes 31 supervisors responsible for overall centre management. Another 101 assistant supervisors are also on duty. A total of 1,223 invigilators are present in examination rooms. They will monitor students during the testing period. Alidu Jr, the Northern Regional Director of Education, stated that all preparations are complete. He encouraged students to approach the exams with confidence. He also stressed the importance of discipline and integrity in their conduct. "This examination marks an important stage in your academic journey," Alidu Jr said in a statement. "We urge all candidates to rely on their preparation, remain focused, and uphold honesty throughout the examination period." The Director also issued a strong warning against examination malpractice. This practice is known locally as 'apor'. He explained that cheating undermines the nation's educational standards. It can also lead to severe consequences for students. These include the cancellation of results. Sanctions and legal action are also possible outcomes. The Directorate mentioned that measures are in place to ensure a smooth and credible exercise. These include collaboration with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). Security agencies are also involved. School authorities and exam officers are working together. The media also plays a role in raising awareness. The WASSCE is a fundamental assessment for Ghanaian students. It determines entry into tertiary institutions. Strong performance is crucial for economic mobility. The large turnout reflects the growing number of students completing senior high school. This trend highlights the need for continued investment in education infrastructure and teacher training. The number of female candidates outnumbering males suggests positive gains in female education access. However, ensuring adequate resources for all students nationwide remains a challenge. The examination results will offer insights into the effectiveness of recent educational policies. They will also shed light on the preparedness of students in the Northern Region. The integrity of the WASSCE is paramount for the credibility of Ghana's education system. Measures against malpractice are therefore a key focus for the authorities. Over 500,000 candidates across Ghana are undertaking the WASSCE this year. The Northern Region's participation is a significant portion of this national total. The exams are a major event in the academic calendar. They provide a benchmark for secondary school education quality. The future educational paths and employment opportunities for thousands of young Ghanaians depend on these results. The success of this examination period is vital for the nation's human capital development.