Over 37,000 Candidates Set for 2026 BECE as Stakeholders Urge Integrity and Academic Focus

The 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is scheduled to commence on May 4, with tens of thousands of candidates across Ghana finalizing their preparations for this critical academic milestone. In the Northern Region alone, a total of 37,111 candidates from 808 schools are expected to sit for the examination across 132 designated centres. This cohort includes 33,329 students from public institutions and 3,782 from private schools, with a gender distribution of 19,026 males and 18,085 females. The Northern Regional Directorate of Education has expressed full readiness, emphasizing the importance of this examination for the students' future educational progression.

To safeguard the integrity of the process, the Regional Directorate has partnered with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to deploy an ample number of supervisors and invigilators. This collaboration aims to ensure strict adherence to examination protocols and to deter any form of malpractice. Officials have urged the broader community to support these efforts by fostering an environment conducive to fair testing, while simultaneously cautioning candidates against behaviors that could jeopardize their results. This focus on integrity comes amid heightened national concerns regarding examination security and the need for credible academic outcomes.

Adding a localized perspective on preparation, the Aduwamase Old Students Association (ASA) recently organized a support event for final-year pupils at the Aduwamase D/A Basic School in the Atwima Kwanwoma District. During the donation event, ASA President Mensah Francis, also known as Adwenpa-Hene, encouraged candidates to approach the BECE with confidence, treating it like any standard classroom test. He reassured students that the questions would be strictly aligned with the curriculum they have covered in school, urging them to rely on their studies rather than illegal assistance.

Beyond words of encouragement, the Aduwamase Old Students Association provided tangible support by donating essential learning materials, including mathematical sets, pens, and rulers. Teachers and parents have praised the initiative, highlighting its importance in ensuring all candidates are adequately equipped for the exams, which will run from May 4 to May 11, 2026. These collective efforts from regional education directorates, examination bodies, and alumni associations underscore a nationwide commitment to maintaining high standards of educational integrity while supporting the next generation of Ghanaian scholars.