BECE 2026 Kicks Off Nationwide with Over 620,000 Candidates Under Tight Security
Over 620,000 candidates sit nationwide as strict anti-malpractice measures take center stage
- 620,141 candidates sitting for BECE 2026
- Exams run from May 4 to May 11Exams run from May 4 to May 11
- 21,791 invigilators deployed nationwide
The 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) officially begins today, Monday, May 4, across Ghana, with candidates expected to sit for the nationwide exams until May 11, 2026.
According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), a total of 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools are participating this year. The figure includes 304,349 boys and 315,792 girls, reflecting a 2.7% increase from the 603,328 candidates recorded in 2025.
To ensure a smooth and credible examination process, the Ghana Education Service has deployed 21,791 vetted invigilators nationwide to supervise the exercise.
Director-General of GES, Professor Ernest Davis, assured the public that all necessary logistics have been put in place. He emphasized that the removal of compromised officials is part of efforts to safeguard the integrity of the exams.
As part of preventive measures, GES has also intensified a nationwide sensitisation campaign across all 16 regions, educating students, parents, and teachers on the serious consequences of examination malpractice.
In a firm stance against misconduct, the Service has barred all teachers and invigilators implicated in malpractice during the 2025 BECE from taking part in this year’s examination.
