The existing format of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is expected to alter in response to Ghana’s increasing needs and demands, according to John Kapi, head of the Public Affairs Unit of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Speaking about WAEC’s readiness for the current BECE, Mr. Kapi informed Citi FM’s Bernard Avle, host of the Citi Breakfast Show, that all required safeguards had been put in place to guarantee the exam’s integrity.
Regarding the current discussion concerning the exam’s potential to change in format and structure, Mr. Kapi hinted that it might, given Ghana’s expanding population and labor requirements.
“There is always a possibility of changing the format depending on the population and the manpower needs of the country and so it is possible that the exam’s format can change.”
The proposed Free SHS bill, which has not yet been presented to parliament, purports to do away with the need for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) as a prerequisite for enrolling in secondary school.
By separating junior high school (JHS) from basic school and combining them into a six-year secondary education framework, the law aims to reorganize the educational system.
Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum clarified that if the measure is passed, the current BECE certification will be replaced with SHS certification as the nation’s first official academic credential.
The minister emphasized that the new schools would co-locate JHS and SHS pupils on the same campuses, guaranteeing a continuous six-year secondary education. This practice will be carried out by current schools that house both JHS and SHS pupils.
Mr. Kapi further urged everyone involved in the exam to refrain from any kind of dishonesty.
“We have appealed to all the candidates, parents, guardians, teachers, and supervisors, and what we are saying is that we don’t expect the candidates to come to the exam hall with any foreign material and they should do independent work and should not solicit support from anybody within or outside the examination hall. No smart watches or any form of electronic gadget should be brought to the exam hall.”
