The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has issued a strong warning to candidates taking the upcoming 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Assaulting examination officials or bringing prohibited items to exam centers can lead to severe penalties. These consequences include the cancellation of examination results and future bans from taking exams.
This nationwide examination is set to begin on Monday, May 4. Over 620,000 students are expected to participate. WAEC is determined to stop all forms of examination malpractice. Candidates must follow all examination rules carefully during this period. Bringing mobile phones is strictly forbidden. Prepared notes, smartwatches, and calculators are also not allowed. Seeking help from others during the exam is also a violation. Any breach of these rules will result in strict disciplinary actions.
John Kapi, WAEC's Head of Public Affairs, stated that anyone caught with a mobile phone will have their entire results canceled. He made these remarks during a TV interview on Sunday, May 3. Candidates must arrive at their exam centers at least 30 minutes early. Those who are late will not be allowed to enter the examination hall. This is after the official start bell rings.
This year's BECE will see 620,141 candidates. They come from 20,395 schools across Ghana. The group includes 304,349 boys and 315,792 girls. This number is higher than last year. Specifically, it is an increase of 16,813 candidates. This represents a 2.7 per cent rise compared to 2025.
These strict rules are essential for maintaining the integrity of the BECE. The examination serves as a critical step for students transitioning from basic to senior high school. WAEC's actions reflect a broader effort to ensure fair competition. They also aim to prevent the devaluation of educational qualifications in Ghana. The stakes are high for these young students.
The educational system in Ghana relies on standardized examinations like the BECE. These assessments help identify student capabilities. They also guide placement into secondary education institutions. WAEC's firm stance is a necessary step to uphold these standards. The council's commitment to fairness is paramount for the future of Ghana's education sector.