As the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination
(BECE) approaches, the Ghana Education Service (GES) is taking a
firm stand to ensure the highest standards of academic integrity. With over
600,000 students preparing to sit for their papers, the GES has made it clear
that the era of "shortcuts" is over.
Addressing the media on Thursday, April 30, the GES Director-General, Ernest Kofi Davis, issued a stern
warning to all candidates, teachers, and parents. He emphasized that there will
be absolutely no room for examination malpractice,
commonly referred to locally as "apor."
To maintain the sanctity of the results, the Service has
implemented stringent measures across all examination centers nationwide.
Director-General Davis urged candidates to dismiss any hopes of receiving
external assistance, noting that authorities will enforce strict supervision to
uphold the integrity of the BECE 2026 updates.
The
scale of this year's examination is significantly larger than in previous
years, reflecting a steady growth in basic education enrollment.
Key Statistics for the 2026 BECE:
- Total Candidates: 620,141 students.
- Participating Schools: 20,395 schools across the country.
- Gender Breakdown: 315,792 girls and 304,349 boys.
- Growth Trend: A 2.7% increase (16,813 more candidates) compared to the
603,328 students who sat in 2025.
The GES is not only focusing on students but also on the
officials managing the process. In a bold move to restore public confidence,
the Service has announced a total ban on supervisors and
invigilators implicated in malpractice during the 2025 session.
Specifically, any official currently under investigation for
previous misconduct is barred from participating in any capacity in the 2026
examination process. These GES examination rules
are part of a broader strategy to ensure fairness for every student.
Director-General
Ernest Kofi Davis assured candidates that the questions are designed to be fair
and manageable. Here is how candidates can prepare effectively:
- Stick to the Approved Syllabus: Questions will be drawn strictly from the
official curriculum. Focus your revision on these core areas.
- Rely on Preparation: Confidence comes from practice. Use past
questions and mock trials to sharpen your skills.
- Stay Calm: The GES encourages students to approach the papers with a calm
mind, avoiding the anxiety that often leads to the temptation of cheating.
- Ignore "External Help": Do not fall for scams
promising leaked questions. Trust in your own hard work.