The Minister of Education has pushed back against criticism over the performance of students in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), saying public reactions are often one-sided.

Speaking on the issue at an event on December 4, 2025, the minister said Ghanaians tend to praise students when results are good but quickly blame the government when outcomes are poor.

"It is only in Ghana that when students do well in exams, the students are praised. When they don't do well, the minister and the government is blamed. Instead of focusing on what caused the trip, we are interested in how we felt," Iddrisu stated.

He noted that the ministry is currently reviewing the official examiner's report to understand the underlying causes of the decline in performance.

President Mahama reacts to 2025 WASSCE results

Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament for Tamale South, indicated that his office will address the public when the need arises.

Despite the criticisms, the minister assured the public of the government's unwavering commitment to strengthening the education sector under President John Mahama.

"We are currently reviewing the examiner's report on the West African Senior Certificate Exam, and as and when it's necessary and appropriate to respond, we will respond adequately and satisfactorily but our commitment to the provision of quality education under the leadership of President Mahama will remain unparalleled as the president will demonstrate in the coming days," he added.

The minister's comments follow the release of the 2025 WASSCE results, which have sparked a national debate over the poor performance of students.

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LIVE | It is only in Ghana that when students do well in exams they are praised, but when they do not do well, the Minister and the Government are blamed — Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu says as he reacts to the recently released WASSCE results.

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