Education Ministry moves to bar unqualified candidates from BECE

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced plans to prohibit students who have not reached Junior High School (JHS) Form 3 from registering for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), as part of sweeping reforms to improve standards in Ghana’s basic education system.

According to the Minister, the decision is aimed at strengthening academic integrity and ensuring that only adequately prepared candidates sit for the examination. He emphasized that allowing students who have not completed the required academic progression to write the BECE violates established guidelines set by both the West African Examinations Council and the Ghana Education Service.

Speaking on JoyFM Super Morning Show on Thursday, April 2, Mr. Iddrisu addressed the growing concern over students who prematurely attempt the examination. He described the practice as unacceptable and contrary to policy.

“We have also made a determination that students who leap early—not yet in JHS 3 but are attempting to write BECE—that is unacceptable per GES and WAEC guidelines,” he stated.

The Minister noted that this trend has contributed significantly to consistently poor BECE performance in recent years. He explained that many of these candidates are not academically or emotionally prepared for the demands of the examination, leading to weak outcomes.

“That is why we are seeing a reflection of poor quality, because the student is not up to the task but forces themselves to write BECE even when in Primary Six or JHS 1 or 2,” he added.

It has often been observed that some learners are allowed to skip classes or are encouraged to sit for external examinations—such as the BECE or even the West African Senior School Certificate Examination—based on perceived academic ability. However, the Minister stressed that such practices will no longer be tolerated under the revised policy direction.

He reaffirmed that moving forward, only students who have successfully completed the required stage of education will be eligible to register for national examinations, a measure expected to improve overall learning outcomes and restore confidence in Ghana’s education system.