Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has urged Ghanaian students to maintain discipline and integrity as they pursue academic excellence and future professional success.
He made the appeal during the 2025 West African Examinations Council Distinction Awards ceremony held in Accra to honour outstanding candidates who excelled in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
Dr Apaak congratulated the award winners for their exceptional performance, describing their achievements as the result of dedication, perseverance and hard work. He noted that their success shows how talent combined with discipline and commitment can lead to academic excellence.
Addressing the students directly, the deputy minister encouraged them to remain focused as they progress to the next stage of their academic and professional journeys. He said the values of discipline, determination and integrity that helped them succeed in their examinations should continue to guide their future decisions.
Dr Apaak also acknowledged the important role played by teachers, parents and mentors in supporting the students’ success. According to him, the guidance and dedication of educators and families contribute significantly to nurturing talented young people and helping them reach their full potential.
While celebrating academic excellence, he expressed concern about reports of examination malpractice in the country. Practices such as impersonation, collusion and the operation of so called miracle centres, he said, threaten the credibility of Ghana’s education system and weaken public confidence in academic certificates.
He emphasised that the government will continue working closely with the West African Examinations Council and other stakeholders to protect the integrity of national examinations and maintain high educational standards.
The WAEC Distinction Awards are organised annually to recognise candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic performance in the WASSCE across the sub region. The ceremony celebrates excellence and encourages other students to pursue high standards in their educational journey.
Dr Apaak concluded by encouraging the award winners to remain humble, work hard and use their achievements as a foundation for contributing positively to Ghana and the wider global community.
