John Kapi, the head of the Public Affairs Unit of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), has revealed that the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) format may change to meet Ghana’s rising needs and demands.
During an interview on Accra-based Citi FM, Mr. Kapi assured that all necessary measures have been implemented to maintain the integrity of the ongoing BECE. He also addressed the ongoing debate about potential changes to the exam’s format, noting that adjustments may be necessary due to the country’s growing population and evolving manpower 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,” Mr. Kapi stated.
This discussion comes in light of the proposed Free SHS bill, which, if passed, will eliminate the BECE as a requirement for entering secondary school. The bill aims to restructure the education system by separating junior high school (JHS) from basic school and integrating it into a six-year secondary education framework.
According to Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, upon the bill’s passage, SHS certification will become the first formal academic qualification in the country, replacing the current BECE certification. The restructuring will ensure a continuous six-year secondary education, with new schools co-locating JHS and SHS students on the same campuses. Existing schools with both JHS and SHS students will continue this practice.
Mr. Kapi also called on all exam stakeholders to avoid malpractice. “We have appealed to all the candidates, parents, guardians, teachers, and supervisors. 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,” he emphasized.
