{
  "id": 6263342,
  "title": "Editorial: WAEC Examiners’ Report: Should Ghana Restrict Children’s Social Media Use?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/08/editorial-waec-examiners-report-should-ghana-restrict-childrens",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-08T09:50:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Chronicle Ghana",
    "slug": "the-chronicle-ghana",
    "url": "https://thechronicle.com.gh/editorial-waec-examiners-report-should-ghana-restrict-childrens-social-media-use/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released 2026 WASSCE results alongside disciplinary findings. Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, announced that 861 candidates had their entire results cancelled for possessing mobile phones in exam halls. Additionally, 7,434 candidates saw their subject results cancelled for bringing unauthorized materials like notes and textbooks. Another 270 candidates had their overall results withheld pending investigation into other suspected offenses. The mobile-phone rule applies regardless of usage, and outstanding investigations are expected to conclude by October 30, 2026. Notably, performance in English Language worsened from 69% in 2025 to 62.40% in 2026. Core Mathematics improved, with 60.75% of candidates achieving A1–C6. Examiners noted poor spelling, grammar, and comprehension in English scripts, as well as the presence of informal digital language from platforms like WhatsApp. While WAEC hasn't proven a direct link between social media use and declining English scores, the presence of informal digital language in formal exams warrants attention. English is the language of instruction, government business, and WASSCE. This rise of informal digital language in formal contexts suggests the need for state, schools, and parents to prioritize reading habits and screen use among school-age children. Currently, France, Denmark, Slovenia, Greece, Sweden, and Spain have proposed or implemented similar restrictions, but Ghana lacks such legislation. The Chronicle urges the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, Parent-Teacher associations, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and Parliament to engage in an evidence-led conversation about children's reading habits and digital exposure following this year's results.",
  "summary": "The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the 2026 WASSCE results, accompanied by a substantial set of disciplinary findings. WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, is quoted by Citi News as saying that the Council had cancelled the entire results of 861 candidates for possessing mobile phones in examination halls. It has also cancelled […] The post Editorial: WAEC Examiners’…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}