Dr Abena Nyarkoa (PhD), Founder of the Nkunim Education Project, is calling for strict restrictions or a complete ban on mobile phone use among senior high school students across Ghana.
In an interview with MyJoyOnline.com, Dr Nyarkoa, who also lectures at a university in the UK, said limiting phone access would help students focus on their studies without the constant pull of social media and other digital distractions.
“Social media, mobile phones are impacting our children’s education. So I think there must be either no access or limited access to mobile phones, especially when students are in school,” she said.
“Because this will help minimise destruction from social media and also the reliance on AI to do their homework,” she added.
Her comments follow the release of the 2025 WASSCE results, which revealed significant underperformance in core subjects nationwide.
According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), chief examiners observed widespread use of social media diction and non-standard English in candidates’ answers across subjects. Mr John Kapi, WAEC’s Director of Public Affairs, shared the concerns on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday.
Dr Nyarkoa’s recommendations feed into the broader national conversation on how technology is influencing learning outcomes.
She also urged school authorities to tighten controls on internet use on campus.
“Block students from accessing unhealthy sites on the internet. This is a critical responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of students,” she said.
Read also: WAEC flags social media language, non-standard English in 2025 WASSCE answers
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