BECE to Be Extended from 5 to 8 Days Under Proposed Exam Timetable Reform — Education Minister
Reform aims to ease student stress by extending BECE duration and improving preparation time, alongside broader education sector upgrades.
- BECE to be extended from 5 to 8 days under new timetable reform
- Aim is to reduce student stress and improve preparation time between papers
- GES to oversee implementation as part of wider education reforms
The government has announced plans to extend the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) from the current five-day schedule to eight days, in a reform aimed at reducing pressure on candidates and allowing more time for preparation between papers.
Speaking at Aburi Girls’ Senior High School on Wednesday, June 10, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu said the current examination structure places unnecessary stress on students and requires urgent review.
“I understand that our schedule of the exams for BECE was just Monday to Friday, and that put many of you under some stress,” Mr Iddrisu said.
He explained that the government is reviewing the BECE timetable to ensure students have adequate time between papers.
“Accordingly, the government is reviewing the BECE exams calendar. So now the BECE will begin on Wednesday and end the following Wednesday so that adequate time is given to our learners to prepare for BECE across the country,” he stated.
According to him, the revised structure will introduce longer preparation gaps and include a weekend break to ease pressure on candidates. He added that the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) will oversee the implementation of the new timetable.
Improvement in School Feeding
Mr Iddrisu also highlighted improvements in the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) feeding programme, noting that food supply in schools has become more stable than in previous years.
“I’m also happy to note that at least for the first time in many years we are not suffering from food shortages in school,” he said.
He attributed the improvement to the de-capping of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), which has strengthened funding for school feeding through the Ghana Commodity Exchange and Buffer Stock system.
“So at least the feeding component of the free senior high school is now being managed well with GETFund funding,” he added.
The Minister further disclosed that government has allocated GH¢4 billion this year for school feeding across the country.
World Bank Support for Infrastructure Expansion
Mr Iddrisu also revealed that government is awaiting World Bank approval for a $300 million infrastructure expansion programme aimed at upgrading schools nationwide.
“We intend to convert 30 Category C schools to B and 20 Category B schools to A with 300 million US dollars for expanded infrastructure across the country,” he said.
The initiative is expected to improve facilities in senior high schools across all categories.
Commendation
The Minister commended the leadership of Aburi Girls’ SHS for their role in maintaining discipline and supporting student welfare.
The proposed reforms form part of broader efforts to improve educational outcomes, student well-being, and infrastructure development in Ghana’s education sector.
