The government, in a crucial move aimed at ensuring the smooth conduct of the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), has released an additional GHC55 million to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) earlier clarified that it received only GH¢47 million from the government for the conduct of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

This timely disbursement comes as part of efforts to settle outstanding debts owed to WAEC, allowing the council to effectively organize and administer the upcoming examinations.

Head of Public Affairs at WAEC’s National Office, Mr. John K. Kapi, made the announcement during a recent press conference held in Accra. He emphasized that the government’s financial support was essential for WAEC to prepare adequately for the BECE, which is scheduled to commence on Monday, July 8, 2024.

The funds released amount to GHC55,873,689.87, and they are part of a larger effort to cover the total examination fees owed to WAEC.

Mr. Kapi highlighted that this disbursement follows earlier allocations, with arrangements underway for the release of the remaining funds required for the examination process.

Preparations for the 2024 BECE

With over 569,000 candidates expected to participate in this year’s BECE, WAEC has mobilized resources to ensure a seamless administration across 2,123 examination centers nationwide. This includes the deployment of 2,123 supervisors, 1,889 assistant supervisors, and 19,973 invigilators who will oversee the examination process.

Candidates will begin their examinations with English Language on July 8, concluding with Arabic by Monday, July 15, 2024. Mr. Kapi noted that out of the total candidates, 282,648 are males and 286,447 are females, representing 19,506 schools participating in the examinations.

Support for Private Candidates and Special Measures

In addition to school candidates assessed under the newly introduced Common Core Curriculum, WAEC has registered 1,366 private candidates for the BECE. This group, comprising 735 males and 631 females, will be examined based on the old syllabus at 15 designated centers, mainly in regional capitals.

Mr. Kapi assured that WAEC had undertaken comprehensive preparations, including the distribution of examination materials such as objective answer cards, answer booklets, and pencils to District Education Offices nationwide. The council has also organized sensitization programs to educate candidates on the rules and regulations governing the examination.