A total of 619,985 final-year junior high school students across Ghana are set to begin this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates today, Monday, 4, 2026.
In addition, 156 candidates from Togo and Benin will join, bringing the overall number to 620,141, according to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
The exams will run until Monday, May 11, 2026.
Students from 20,395 schools will write the exams at 2,302 centres nationwide. WAEC has introduced stricter measures this year to prevent cheating and protect the credibility of the examination.
An official from WAEC warned, “Candidates found engaging in any form of malpractice will face severe sanctions,” adding that items such as mobile phones are strictly banned.
The council also cautioned candidates to behave properly toward supervisors and invigilators, noting that any form of disruption or assault will attract serious consequences.
The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, confirmed that authorities have barred officials linked to last year’s malpractice cases from participating.
“All supervisors and invigilators under investigation for their alleged involvement in last year’s BECE have been barred from participating,” he said.
The BECE remains a key examination that determines placement into senior high schools, so authorities continue to strengthen its integrity. Among the candidates in Ghana, 304,273 are male, and 315,712 are female.
WAEC has deployed 2,303 supervisors, supported by 2,070 assistant supervisors and 21,791 invigilators, to oversee the process. This year’s total reflects an increase of 16,657 candidates compared to last year.
Regionally, Ashanti leads with 124,095 candidates from 3,277 schools writing at 444 centres. Greater Accra follows with 114,243 candidates from 3,987 schools at 443 centres. The Central Region has 69,496 candidates, while the Eastern Region has 56,700.
In the Western Region, 45,457 students will sit the exams. The Northern Region has 37,308 candidates, while the Volta Region presents 30,055. The Bono Region has 24,984 candidates, and the Upper East Region records 22,449.
Other regions include Bono East with 20,897 candidates, Western North with 17,372, Upper West with 14,982, and Ahafo with 12,578. The Oti Region has 12,401 candidates, while the North East Region presents 10,033. Savannah records the lowest figure, with 6,989 candidates.
Five schools from Togo and Benin will write the exams at one centre in Ghana. WAEC explained that these schools follow Ghana’s curriculum, making them eligible.
WAEC says it is fully prepared. The Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, noted that officials have received proper briefings and materials. “We have started with the process,” he said, adding that all arrangements are in place for a smooth examination.
