Head of Public Affairs at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), John Kapi, says English Language remains a major challenge for students, with candidates’ performance in the subject declining steadily over the past years.
He said while there has been a slight improvement in candidates’ performance in Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies, English Language continues to record a worrying decline.
Speaking with Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, Mr Kapi said the percentage of candidates obtaining at least a C6 in English Language fell from 69.52% in 2024 to 69% in 2025, before dropping further to 62.46% in 2026.
“English is a problem. It’s still a problem, comparatively.”
Mr Kapi said the trend requires a deliberate effort from students, teachers and other stakeholders to improve candidates’ performance in the subject.
He stressed the importance of changing students’ attitudes and mindset towards English Language, particularly because it remains an important medium of instruction and communication in the country.
According to him, students need to understand that proficiency in English is essential for education, communication, business and employment.
Mr Kapi also urged students to develop a strong reading culture from the beginning of their senior high school education.
He said students should be encouraged to read for pleasure and not only when preparing for examinations.
According to him, regular reading would help students improve their comprehension, vocabulary and ability to express themselves effectively.
He also encouraged students to use standard English in their everyday communication and avoid relying heavily on abbreviated language commonly used on social media and messaging platforms.
Mr Kapi said the increasing use of shortened expressions in platforms such as WhatsApp could affect students’ ability to produce formal written English.
He recalled instances where examination candidates had used such expressions in their scripts, noting that WAEC examiners have identified the problem among the weaknesses affecting candidates’ performance.
He further highlighted candidates’ difficulties with subject-verb agreement, comprehension and summary writing.
According to him, candidates sometimes lift entire portions of passages when answering comprehension and summary questions instead of expressing the answers in their own words.
Mr Kapi said students must therefore be encouraged to practise regularly through tests and exercises to strengthen their understanding and command of the language.
He also called for periodic in-service training for teachers, particularly when there are changes to the curriculum or syllabus.
He said teachers need to understand what is expected of candidates at the end of their studies so they can adequately prepare them for examinations.
“Candidates recorded slight improvements in Mathematics, Integrated Science and Social Studies this year, in contrast to the decline recorded in English Language” he said
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Pamela Quayson
