620,141 Students Begin 2026 BECE Amidst Stricter Anti-Malpractice Measures

More than 620,000 students across Ghana have begun their Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for 2026. The exams started on Monday, May 4, and will conclude on May 11. This national assessment is overseen by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). A total of 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools are participating this year. The examination period runs for eight days.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu is encouraging all candidates to remain calm during the examinations. He advised them to trust their preparation and hard work. Minister Iddrisu stressed the importance of confidence and discipline in every paper. He also reminded students to uphold academic integrity throughout the process. The minister issued a message wishing candidates success on May 3. He stated that months of preparation should give them self-assurance.

This year's BECE takes place under a watchful eye. Authorities are implementing stricter measures to prevent and punish examination malpractice. WAEC has issued strong warnings to candidates. They must follow examination rules precisely and maintain good conduct. The goal is to ensure the credibility of the examination results. This heightened scrutiny follows previous concerns about cheating in national tests.

“As students across the country prepare to write the BECE tomorrow, I wish you all the very best,” Minister Iddrisu said in his statement. “Stay calm, be confident, and give your best in every paper.” He added, “Remember to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity.” The minister emphasized that “Your hard work has brought you this far; trust in it. Good luck and success to you all.”

The BECE is a critical gateway for students transitioning from junior high to senior high school. Its integrity impacts future educational opportunities. The robust anti-malpractice measures aim to protect the fairness of this system. Decisions made by WAEC and the Ministry of Education will influence public trust in educational assessments. The examination outcomes will directly affect the placement of thousands of students into senior high schools across Ghana.