With all practical examinations completed, final-year students in Senior High Schools (SHS) across Ghana will today sit for their first written paper in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Oral English: The First Written Paper
The first paper for all registered candidates is Oral English, which forms part of the Core English Language paper.
The Oral English paper is a unique component of the WASSCE. Candidates listen to audio-based questions and select the correct responses by shading the corresponding answers on their answer sheets. This component was officially introduced in Ghana in 1999 as part of efforts to improve English Language assessment.
Timeline of the 2025 WASSCE
Start Date (Practicals): 4th August 2025
First Written Paper (Oral English): 20th August 2025
End of Exams: 19th September 2025
The examination will continue with subject-specific papers for science, business, arts, and technical programmes, leading up to the final paper in September.
Government’s Caution on Examination Malpractice
Authorities have expressed concerns about possible attempts at examination malpractice.
Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education, issued a stern warning to teachers under the Ghana Education Service (GES) against participating in or encouraging malpractice. He stressed that any teacher caught aiding cheating would face severe sanctions, as such actions compromise the integrity of the WASSCE.
Similarly, the GES has wished all candidates success while urging them to resist the temptation of cheating.
Safety Measures for Students in Conflict Areas
Special arrangements have been made for students in conflict-affected areas such as Bawku SHS, Nalerigu SHS, and Suarungu SHS. Candidates from these schools are expected to sit for their exams in designated alternative centres under GES supervision.
Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, Director-General of the GES, assured the public that the Ministry of Education, GES, and the Government of Ghana are committed to ensuring the safety and smooth participation of all candidates.
FAQs About the 2025 WASSCE
1. When did the 2025 WASSCE begin?
The WASSCE started with practicals on 4th August 2025 and continues with written papers from 20th August to 19th September 2025.
2. What is the first written paper of the 2025 WASSCE?
The first written paper is Oral English, a compulsory part of the Core English Language paper for all candidates.
3. How is the Oral English paper conducted?
Candidates listen to audio-recorded questions and select the correct responses by shading the appropriate options on their answer sheets.
4. What measures are in place to curb examination malpractice?
The Ministry of Education and GES have issued strong warnings to teachers and candidates, emphasizing that any involvement in malpractice will be met with strict sanctions.
READ: BECEPrep Launches WASSCE Preparation AI on WhatsApp to Help Secondary School Students Excel
5. How is the government supporting students in conflict-prone areas?
Students from conflict zones such as Bawku, Nalerigu, and Suarungu are writing their exams in safe, designated centres under the supervision of GES and security agencies.
About Author: BECEPrep and Its Educational Research Team
BECEPrep is a leading educational research and exam resource platform in Ghana, dedicated to providing accurate, timely, and practical insights into the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), WASSCE, and other key milestones in the country’s educational journey.
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