The Perfect Series Basic School Assessment Contest has been identified as an important initiative aimed at helping Ghanaian students overcome their difficulties in critical thinking by promoting problem-solving skills and innovative learning approaches.
For many years, students across Ghana have struggled with thinking critically to solve societal problems, a situation education observers believe requires a change in teaching and learning methods.
According to education stakeholders, the traditional “chew and pour” approach often used in classrooms makes it difficult for many learners to fully understand subjects such as Mathematics which play pivotal roles in critical thinking.
The Perfect Series Basic School Assessment Contest, however, has been designed to address this challenge by encouraging students to think critically and develop solutions to problems rather than simply memorising information.
Speaking during the auditioning stage of the 2026 edition of the contest held at Kumasi Anglican Senior High School, he Chief Executive Officer of Perfect Star Media and the inventor of the contest, Pastor Philip Sarpong, revealed that the competition is helping to expose learning gaps among students while guiding them towards problem-solving skills.
According to him, the contest has over the past three years shown that many students perform well in other subjects but face difficulties in Mathematics.
“Students can perform very well in other subjects such as English Language, Science and General Knowledge, but when it comes to Mathematics, many of them struggle, and that is worrying,” he said.
He explained that the purpose of the contest is not only to test students but also to help them develop the mindset needed to solve real-life problems.
“The brain behind this contest is to nurture the Ghanaian child to know how best they can learn, develop ideas, and find solutions to problems confronting society today,” Pastor Sarpong stated.
He further emphasised that the initiative also serves as a platform to help teachers improve their teaching skills, especially in Mathematics.
“Teachers must also change their teaching approach and methods in Mathematics so that students will find the subject easier to understand,” he advised.
The contest assesses students in English Language, Mathematics, Science and General Knowledge, with the aim of strengthening their academic abilities while encouraging critical thinking.
This year, 22 schools from the Northern Sector have already registered for the contest. A school automatically qualifies for the next stage if at least three of its students score 50 percent or above in the audition examination.
Pastor Sarpong added that the organisers are determined to ensure that every child is given the opportunity to develop academically.
“One of my objectives is to ensure that no child is left behind. That is why this year we have included willing students from Basic Three to Basic Six,” he said.
He also disclosed that auditioning in the Southern Sector has begun, and those who qualify will be merged with schools from the Northern Sector for the elimination stage of the competition.
Through this initiative, the Perfect Series Basic School Assessment Contest continues to position itself as a problem-solving academic platform, helping to shape a generation of students capable of thinking critically and providing solutions to challenges facing society.
By: Nana Yaw Owusu (0240782639).
