Eduwatch Proposes Cutting BECE Subjects to Four

Africa Education Watch has proposed reducing the number of subjects for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The organization suggests cutting the current 10 or 11 papers down to just four. This change aims to shorten the examination period. It will also lower stress for students. The executive director, Kofi Asare, made the announcement. He stated the BECE currently takes five to six days to complete. The reduction would allow the exam to be finished in two days. This proposal comes after a significant shift in the BECE's purpose. Since the introduction of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy in 2017, access to secondary education has become nearly universal. Previously, the BECE acted as a critical screening tool. It determined who qualified for secondary school admission. Many candidates needed a strong aggregate score to pass. Now, about 98% of BECE candidates qualify for secondary education. Even candidates with an aggregate of 54 are admitted. As a result, the BECE's primary function is now school placement, not entry qualification. Mr. Asare questions the need for a lengthy examination. He believes the current structure does not match its revised purpose. He suggests candidates be examined in Mathematics, English, General Science, and a General Paper. The General Paper would incorporate other subjects like Social Studies and Creative Arts. This approach ensures students still cover the full curriculum. However, they would not face separate exams for each. The proposal also highlights potential cost savings. Ghana spends over GHS 200 million annually on the BECE. Reducing the subject load could cut these costs by up to 40 percent. Mr. Asare addressed concerns about learning quality. He believes reducing subjects does not automatically dilute educational standards. He compared this to fears about quality when increasing admissions to law or medical schools. He called for evidence-based arguments to support the current 10-subject structure. The current BECE syllabus includes English, Religious and Moral Education, and Social Studies. It also covers Creative Arts and Design, Science and Career Technology, Mathematics, and Ghanaian Language. For some students, French or Arabic are also included.