A total of 620,141 final-year Junior High School (JHS) students are sitting for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which begins today across the country.
According to the West African Examinations Council, 619,985 of the candidates are from Ghana, while 156 others from neighbouring Togo and Benin are also participating. The examination is scheduled to end on Monday, May 11, 2026.
The candidates are drawn from 20,390 public and private schools and will write the exams at 2,302 centres nationwide. WAEC explained that the foreign candidates are eligible because their schools follow Ghana’s curriculum, with all five participating schools writing at a single centre.
Figures released by the council show that 304,273 of the candidates are male, while 315,712 are female. The 2026 candidature represents an increase of 16,657 compared to last year’s figure of 603,328.
To ensure smooth conduct of the exams, WAEC has deployed 2,303 supervisors, supported by 2,070 assistant supervisors and 21,791 invigilators across the various centres.
The Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, said the council is fully prepared for the nationwide exercise. He disclosed that briefing sessions have been held for supervisors to guide their conduct and expectations, while essential materials have already been distributed.
He, however, cautioned candidates and officials against any form of examination malpractice, warning that offenders would face strict sanctions.
WAEC expressed confidence that all logistical arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and credible examination process.
