15% F9 in 2026 WASSCE Core Mathematics Linked to Weak Foundations – Kofi Asare

The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch), Kofi Asare, has attributed the high rate of failure recorded in Core Mathematics in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) largely to weak foundational learning at the basic education level.

According to him, the 15 percent of candidates who recorded F9 in Core Mathematics highlights deeper challenges within Ghana’s education system that cannot be addressed solely at the Senior High School (SHS) level.

Kofi Asare said there is an urgent need to strengthen foundational learning among pupils at the basic education level to improve their understanding of mathematics before they progress to secondary education.

He noted that students who struggle to acquire essential numeracy and problem-solving skills in their early years are likely to face difficulties when they encounter more complex mathematical concepts at the SHS level.

He therefore called for greater attention to teaching and learning outcomes at the basic level, stressing that interventions aimed at improving WASSCE performance must begin much earlier in a child’s education.

The Eduwatch Executive Director’s comments come amid concerns over students’ performance in Core Mathematics, with stakeholders calling for sustainable measures to improve learning outcomes and reduce failure rates in the subject.

He believes strengthening foundational education will provide students with the skills and confidence needed to perform better in Mathematics and other related subjects as they advance through the education system.

By: Paulina Armah/ Radio1.