Over 500,000 SHS students begin 2026 WASSCE today as WAEC tightens security

More than 500,000 final-year Senior High School students across Ghana are set to begin the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination today, May 13, 2026, with the Oral English paper marking the start of the nationwide examination.

This year’s examination also marks Ghana’s return to the regional WASSCE system alongside other West African countries after years of administering separate examinations following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The West African Examinations Council says it has completed all necessary preparations to ensure the smooth conduct of the exams across the country.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, May 12, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, disclosed that enhanced security measures had been implemented to protect the integrity of the examinations.

According to him, the council deliberately delayed the printing of question papers as part of efforts to prevent leakages and examination malpractice.

“For security reasons, we delayed the printing of the exam papers because we don’t want the papers out there early to prevent the activities of those who want to compromise the integrity of the exams,” he stated.

Mr. Kapi assured candidates, parents and schools that all examination materials for centres nationwide were ready and would be distributed according to schedule.

“For every institution, what they need for the exams is ready. We are very sure that we will be within time so we will work with the timetable that we have brought out,” he added.

WAEC has in recent years intensified efforts to curb examination malpractice through tighter security arrangements, increased monitoring and collaboration with security agencies.

The examination is expected to take place at hundreds of centres nationwide, with candidates writing both core and elective subjects over the coming weeks.