Mixed Emotions as KNUST SHS Begins 2026 WASSCE Following Tragic Loss of Candidate
- The 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) commenced nationwide on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, with the English Oral paper
- KNUST SHS in Kumasi has confirmed the death of one of its candidates following a brief illness just days before the start of the exams
- Despite the tragedy, the school reported that a pregnant candidate successfully participated in the first paper alongside her peers
The atmosphere at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Senior High School (KNUST SHS) was a mixture of grief and determination as the first day of the 2026 WASSCE got underway.
Source: UGC
While over 1,000 candidates prepared for their first major paper, the school community was forced to grapple with the sudden loss of a classmate who passed away after a short illness.
WASSCE: Mourning amidst examinations
Management of the school confirmed the death but assured the public that they are working to provide the necessary psychological support for the remaining candidates.
"We are mourning with the bereaved family while ensuring that the remaining candidates will be provided with a conducive environment to continue their examinations," the school stated.
The Assistant Headmaster (Academic), Agyekum Kwaku, noted that despite the sombre mood, the conduct of the examinations has remained orderly.
A pregnant candidate was supposed to be among the 1,022 students sitting for the exams at the KNUST SHS centre. She successfully registered for the examination but reportedly failed to show up.
However, the school also noted that another registered candidate had discontinued schooling and was absent from the examination hall.
Across Ghana, 509,862 candidates are expected to sit for this year’s examination, consisting of 225,274 males and 284,588 females.
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WAEC introduces new exam schedule
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that the West African Examinations Council had introduced changes to exam questions and schedules to curb cross-border leakages.
According to WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, the adjustments include starting exams earlier in Ghana due to time differences with Nigeria.
The new measures are intended to enhance fairness and protect the integrity of examinations across the region.
Source: YEN.com.gh
