Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso, Kofi Benteh Afful, has emphasized that examinations are not the most effective way to assess students’ true understanding and capabilities.
According to him, examinations often focus on short-term memorization rather than genuine comprehension of subjects. He noted that most exams are conducted under strict time limits and stressful conditions, which can disadvantage students who understand the material but struggle with anxiety or pressure.
He further explained that traditional exams tend to prioritize individual performance and fixed answers, leaving little room to evaluate creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and practical application—skills that are vital in today’s world.
The MP added that a single examination cannot fully reflect a student’s growth, improvement, or learning journey over time. He, therefore, called for a more holistic approach to student assessment through projects, portfolios, presentations, and continuous evaluation, which he believes offer a more complete and accurate picture of students’ knowledge and abilities.
Mr. Afful concluded that relying solely on examinations provides an incomplete and sometimes misleading measure of academic achievement and urged educational authorities to explore fairer and more comprehensive assessment systems.
