When a nation's education system is handicapped and weak, then the future of that nation is navigating an 'uncharted territory'.
The Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education (MOBSE) has announced the release of the 2023 West Africa Senior Secondary School Certificate.
From the look of things and according to MOBSE, there has been significant achievement in the country's academic journey.
A total of candidates who registered for the 2023 WASSCE stands at 17,201 with 16,405 candidates sitting for at least one subject, comprising 60% female and 40% male.
According to the Ministry, this year's results have shown improvement in candidates with 5 credits or more (meeting the University Entry Requirements) in 2023 with a slight increase of 316 candidates compared to the last year's results.
However, what makes this year's results encouraging is the fact that across the country, girls performed creditably academically, representing 60% of the 16,405 candidates who sat the exam.
Let's always remember that education is the most powerful weapon one can use to change the world.
However, we call on the government and stakeholders to encourage more teachers by revising their teaching and living conditions, especially those in the provinces.
It is sad that the country is losing most of the best teachers due to low remuneration, wages and promotion especially those due.
To this end, to be ahead in the sector, the Ministry should look into the plight of the teachers in general with a view to alleviating some of the challenges hindering the sector.
We know that the government and even stakeholders cannot address all their problems at once, but through agreement and motivation they could make a difference.
It is a fact that in order to achieve sucess in education, there must be huge investment.
People should not downplay the power of education as it helps enlighten societies and for people to make informed choices.
Therefore, what this 2023 WASSCE results offer, the Ministry added, is a nuanced perspective on academic achievement, showcasing both positives and challenges.
However, the increase in the number of candidates achieving five credits or more in itself is a commendable success especially in TVET subjects.
To this end, we call on MOBSE and its stakeholders to redouble their efforts by creating a conducive learning environment for both teachers and students to ensure that the country achieves better grades come 2024 WASSCE.