Ghanaian students have emerged as the top three candidates in the 2024 May/June West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). The annual exam is held across the council’s five member countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.
A total of 2,455,063 candidates took part in the examination, with Nigeria contributing the largest number—1,805,216 candidates—representing 73.53 percent of the total. The 2025 edition of the WASSCE will begin on April 24, with Nigeria expected to again present nearly three-quarters of the region’s candidates.
Continuing a trend from 2023, all top three candidates this year are Ghanaian males, each earning exceptional Grade A1 scores across all their subjects. The students are David Nii Commey Ankrah, who came first; Henschel Tabi Frempong-Manso, who took second place; and Benedict Ofori Debrah, who placed third.
Their achievements were celebrated at WAEC’s 73rd Annual General Meeting, held in Monrovia, Liberia, where they were honored with the WAEC International Excellence Award.
David Ankrah, who earned a T-score of 605.0474, also received the prestigious Augustus Bandele Oyediran Award for being the overall best candidate in West Africa. He was awarded $3,000 and a certificate of excellence. Henschel and Benedict received $1,200 and $900, respectively, along with certificates.
All three students are currently pursuing higher education. David is studying Pharmacy at the University of Cape Coast. Henschel is studying Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and Benedict is also at KNUST, studying Human Biology.
WAEC also recognized Mrs. Hawah Sharon Goll-Kotchi, a prominent Liberian, with the Distinguished Friend of Council Award for her significant contributions to the organization.
WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Demianus Ojijeogu, shared this information in a statement released in Lagos. He emphasized that WAEC annually rewards academic excellence to promote hard work, resilience, and healthy competition among students in the sub-region.
During the meeting, Amos Armah Fully, Liberia’s Chief Government Nominee, was elected Vice Chairman of WAEC Council, succeeding Sierra Leone’s Mr. Edward Kpakra. Additionally, Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, officially opened the event.
In his keynote address, President Boakai praised WAEC for its consistent role in upholding educational standards, conducting credible exams, and issuing internationally recognized certificates. He urged the council to enhance inclusivity by improving access for students with special needs. “This is important,” he noted, “to ensure equal opportunities for all students to learn, develop skills, and earn the qualifications they deserve.”
The WAEC Council meets annually, rotating between its five member countries. Last year’s meeting was held in Sierra Leone, while Ghana is scheduled to host the 2026 edition.
To round off this year’s event, Dr. Romelle Alexzyn Horton, President of Cuttington University, Liberia, delivered the Annual Endowment Fund Lecture, speaking on the topic: “Digital Transformation in Education: To AI or Not to AI.”
