Ghana’s Education Sector Evolves: New WASSCE Curriculum Pilot and Academic Milestones Lead Sector Progress

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has initiated a significant shift in Ghana’s secondary education by selecting 33 Senior High Schools (SHSs) to pilot a new second-cycle curriculum. This initiative, starting with the May-June WASSCE, focuses on 21st-century critical thinking and problem-solving questions. The pilot includes specialized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) institutions and aims to align student assessments with modern career paths. This transition also marks Ghana’s return to the international WASSCE format after a five-year period of localized examinations following the COVID-19 pandemic. WAEC intends to scale this curriculum to all 1,020 SHSs across the country by 2027.

At the tertiary level, the University of Ghana is celebrating a historic achievement with the promotion of Daniel Adu Ankrah to full Professor of Agricultural Extension. At age 45, Professor Ankrah becomes the first and youngest individual to attain this rank in the department since its inception in 1976. Since joining the university as a lecturer in 2016, his rapid ascent over nine years has been bolstered by over 1,000 citations and extensive research in sustainable agriculture and community service. Holding a PhD in International Rural Development, his promotion underscores the university's commitment to academic excellence and high-impact research within the Faculty of Agriculture.

Individual excellence continues to shine on the international stage as Yaw Omane Boamah, son of the late former Minister of Defence, prepares to represent Ghana at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Following a stellar performance in the 2026 MISE program, which included over 600 students from 100 schools, Boamah and fellow student Qi Wang have also been selected for the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). These achievements, supported by the Ghana International School, highlight the growing competitiveness of Ghanaian students in global STEM competitions and the value of robust academic mentorship.

Environmental consciousness and community impact are also being integrated into basic education, as demonstrated by Quaye Nungua R/C Basic School’s victory in the FanMilk School Caravan sanitation competition. By collecting 10,989 plastic wrappers for recycling, the school earned a refurbished ICT lab, showcasing the practical benefits of sustainability initiatives. Since 2018, this program has reached over 500,000 students across various regions, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility. Collectively, these developments—from curriculum reform to individual and institutional triumphs—reflect a holistic drive toward modernization and excellence in Ghana’s educational sector.