Ganawah Urges Education Reforms as 2026 WASSCE Results Raise Concerns Over Learning Standards
Alex Fefegula Harding
An economist and senior lecturer at Fourah Bay College has called for sweeping education reforms in Sierra Leone, arguing that rising examination passes do not necessarily reflect improved learning outcomes.
Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim Justice Ganawah made the call in an opinion article (examining the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results, released by the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education on Oct. 27.
Ganawah, who writes from his experience as a former WASSCE candidate, teacher and university lecturer, said the results exposed concerns about examination integrity, English Language proficiency and the quality of teaching in secondary schools.
He particularly questioned the decision to withhold results for 47,454 candidates over suspected examination malpractice, urging the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and education authorities to conduct prompt, impartial investigations.
The economist stressed that the affected candidates should receive individual assessments, clear explanations and an opportunity to challenge decisions, warning that prolonged delays could undermine their access to further education.
The results also showed a significant difference between performance in the two core subjects. According to figures cited in Ganawah’s analysis, 62.15% of candidates obtained a credit in Mathematics, while only 9.77% achieved a credit in English Language.
He argued that the disparity raises questions about classroom instruction, syllabus coverage and the credibility of examination outcomes. However, he cautioned that the figures alone do not establish examination malpractice and called for further scrutiny using examination-centre data.
Ganawah also recommended tougher measures to prevent cheating during future examinations, including stricter controls on mobile phones in examination halls, improved supervision, rotating examination supervisors and stronger accountability for officials who facilitate irregularities.
On the teaching side, he called for better preparation of English Language teachers, improved access to reading materials, regular assessment of literacy skills and additional support for candidates who struggle to meet university admission requirements.
He further urged the government, parents, teachers, school administrators, past pupils’ associations and WAEC to work together in addressing weaknesses in the education system.
The concerns emerged from the 2026 WASSCE results announced in Freetown on Oct. 27 by Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister Conrad Sackey. Ganawah’s assessment, published in The Sierra Leone Telegraph on Oct. 31, draws on the minister’s announcement and the examination figures released to the public.
He maintains that the country’s education priorities should extend beyond examination passes to ensuring that students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for higher education and employment.