By Emmanuel Mbowa

Freetown, 1st April 2026- The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) has declared a renewed push to tackle what officials describe as a “crisis” in English Language performance at the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In a two-day engagement with education stakeholders and traditional leaders, the Ministry outlined a three-pillar strategy, Pedagogy, Admission, and Resources, aimed at reversing years of poor results and restoring confidence in Sierra Leone’s education system.

Minister Conrad Sackey, speaking at the close of the session, said the resolutions will be documented in a formal communiqué to guide policy and action. “These are the foundations upon which a strong and effective education system must stand,” he remarked.

Pedagogy: The Minister stressed that teaching methods must evolve to meet the needs of modern learners. “It is not just what we teach; it is how it is taught and how our children learn from that process,” he said, calling for inclusive and responsive approaches in classrooms.

Admission: On admission policies, Sackey emphasized fairness and transparency, noting that pathways into higher education must give every child, regardless of background, a genuine opportunity to succeed.

Resources: The final pillar underscored the need for adequate investment in teachers, learning materials, infrastructure, and financing. “Without adequate support, even the best intentions cannot be realized,” Sackey warned.

The Minister commended the collective response from stakeholders, describing their contributions as “a testament to the national commitment to transform education and secure a better future for our children.” He assured that all insights and recommendations will be collated into a comprehensive report to inform policy and drive implementation.

A preliminary draft of the communiqué, titled The Freetown Communique on Addressing Issues Impeding National Development in Relation to the English Language, is expected to be delivered to MBSSE this week, with the final version presented next Tuesday.

Stakeholders have pledged to raise the English credit pass rate by 10 percent annually between 2027 and 2030, a target that, if achieved, could mark a turning point in Sierra Leone’s education sector.