Over 8,500 Ghanaian WASSCE candidates face sanctions as WAEC releases 2026 results

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the provisional results for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), marking a significant milestone for over 500,000 candidates across Ghana and the region. However, the release comes with serious consequences for more than 8,500 students found to have violated examination protocols, raising fresh concerns about academic integrity in secondary schools.

A total of 512,862 candidates from 1,022 schools sat the 2026 examination, representing an 11.07% increase compared to 461,736 candidates in 2025. The cohort comprised 225,270 males and 287,592 females, with 5,049 candidates (0.98%) absent from the examination.

Performance improvements across core subjects

The 2026 results reveal notable gains in mathematics and integrated science—two areas that have historically challenged Ghanaian secondary students. Mathematics performance surged from 48.73% in 2025 to 60.75% in 2026, while integrated science rose from 57.74% to 62.08%. Social studies recorded the strongest performance of all four core subjects, with 78.04% of candidates achieving grades A1 to C6, up significantly from 55.82% the previous year.

English language, however, continued its downward trajectory, falling from 69.00% in 2025 to 62.40% in 2026—part of a three-year decline from 73.11% in 2023. This persistent weakness in English proficiency among secondary school graduates remains a concern for tertiary institutions and employers across Ghana.

Among the four core subjects, social studies led with 393,918 candidates (78.04%) obtaining grades A1 to C6, followed by English language (315,094 candidates, 62.40%), integrated science (309,605 candidates, 62.08%), and mathematics (306,234 candidates, 60.75%).

Widespread examination irregularities and consequences

The Ghana Examinations Committee, at its 42nd meeting on 7 August 2026, approved severe penalties against candidates involved in malpractice. The scale of irregularities uncovered is striking: 7,434 candidates had their subject results cancelled for bringing foreign materials—including prepared notes, textbooks and printed materials—into examination halls. A further 861 candidates had their entire results cancelled for possessing mobile phones during examinations.

Beyond outright cancellations, 957 candidates have had selected subject results withheld pending investigation into suspected offences, whilst the entire results of 270 candidates remain withheld. Additionally, subject results from candidates at 169 schools have been withheld due to alleged collusion. WAEC indicated that investigations into these cases remain ongoing, with decisions expected by 30 October 2026.

Affected candidates have been instructed to access WAEC's irregularity and investigations portal to discover the specific reason for their sanctions and understand next steps. The Council has also issued warnings to the public about fraudsters claiming they can upgrade results for payment, emphasising that its results are secured and verifiable through its results verification system and QR code authentication.

Why it matters for Ghana

These results carry significant implications for Ghana's education system and future workforce. The substantial increase in registration—over 51,000 more candidates than 2025—reflects growing secondary school enrolment, yet the prevalence of examination irregularities suggests systemic challenges in maintaining examination standards and academic honesty. The collapse in English language performance is particularly concerning, given that proficiency in English underpins success in tertiary education and professional competitiveness.

For affected students, cancelled results mean repeating the examination or facing academic delays. For schools, the data reveals which institutions require stronger supervision and support in examination conduct. For Ghana's Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service, the findings underscore the need for enhanced examination security measures and integrity training.

WAEC has acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, security agencies, school heads, supervisors, invigilators, and examiners in successfully administering the examination. The full provisional results are available online through school portals, with heads of schools provided login credentials to access their candidates' results.