Editorial
WASSCE results heart-warming!
In view of the importance of education within the context of the huge sums of money government has spent on the Free Senior High School (SHS), it is heartwarming to note that the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) performance has been the best since 2015, according to West African Examination Council report.
It is also gratifying that the students have not disappointed their parents and the people of Ghana, repaying the trust for the heavy investment made in their education.
It is clear that the candidates have put up a gleaming performance, especially, when the current management of education did not place any “cut-off point” on grades Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates must obtain to pursue SHS education.
In previous years, aggregate 30 was fixed as the cut-off point. This shows that when given the chance and provided with the requisite support, as many students as possible can perform well in exams.
The performance has been improved greatly because of the numerous interventions rolled out by government. To begin with, the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, removed obstacles such as school fees and this gave them the peace of mind to concentrate on their studies.
Again, the supply of free core text books to every student as well as free uniforms to both day and boarding students also contributed positively to their good performance.
Ghanaians are aware of the special training organised for Science and Mathematics tutors together with the provision of the Chief Examiner’s Report to schools to serve as a guide for the students.
All these helped to bring improvement in the performance of the students.
The Spectator is happy about this development and urges the government to continue with this policy of comprehensive support for education – not only for the core subjects, but for the non-core subjects so that there will be continuous improvement in the years ahead.
The percentage of candidates who obtained A1 to C6 in the core subjects constituted more than 50 per cent. In English language, the percentage score was 57.34 per cent in 2020, while Integrated Science in the same year, is 52.53 per cent.
Similarly, percentage score in Mathematics is 65.71 per cent, while it is 64.31 per cent in Social Studies. This shows that the average performance of the candidates for this year is the best compared with results within the past six years.
We will continue to urge our students not to rest on their oars but study harder so as to perform better in the years ahead.
The Spectator also congratulates all teaching and non-teaching staff as well as Headmasters and management of our schools on their hard work and appeal to them to continue the good work so that as a country, Ghana can place itself higher on the educational ladder.
Similarly, The Spectator lauds government on the good work done in supporting education in the manner it has done.
We doff our hats off for all those who have helped to promote this positive agenda.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to express my growing concern about the increasing display of adult content on some television stations in the country.
These programmes, often aired during hours when children are most likely to be watching, pose a serious threat to their moral development and general well-being.
Television remains one of the strongest influences on young people, and stations have a responsibility to ensure that their content reflects the values we seek to instil in our society.
Unfortunately, some channels appear to prioritise sensationalism and profit over public safety and decency.
Such content not only exposes children to material they are not prepared to process but also undermines parents’ efforts to guide their behaviour.
I call on the National Media Commission (NMC) and other regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter guidelines to protect viewers, especially minors.
Broadcasters must be reminded of their duty to promote responsible and wholesome programming.
Our airwaves should uplift, educate, and inform — not endanger the moral fabric of the next generation.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
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Dear Editor,
I AM writing to share my thoughts on the ongoing issue at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, which has attracted national attention after the Deputy Attorney General released a statement in court.
The matter is about whether Muslim students are being denied the right to freely practice their religion, and whether they are being compelled to follow practices that go against their faith.
To me, this is not just a legal issue but a question of fairness and respect in our schools.
While the Constitution guarantees every student the right to practice their faith, schools also have traditions and rules that must be respected. As the saying goes, “When you go to Rome, you do what Romans do.” If a teacher is teaching, it is not right for a student to suddenly leave for prayers. That disrupts learning.
Instead, schools should provide a clear time and place for worship, so that students can honour their faith without disturbing academic work. There is time for everything; time to learn, and time to pray.
Wesley Girls SHS can continue to uphold its Methodist heritage while also respecting the rights of Muslim students.
This compromise will protect unity and ensure that our schools remain places of both discipline and inclusion.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
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