The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced its decision to cancel the registration of unqualified candidates for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to WAEC, it has come to their attention that some parents are transferring their wards from private schools at the Basic Stage Six, JHS 1, 2, and 3 levels to public schools to enable them to register for the examination.

This practice goes against the regulations set by the Ghana Education Service and WAEC. As a result, WAEC is currently investigating these cases, and any candidates found to be involved in such actions will have their registrations annulled.

In a press briefing held in Accra, John K. Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, urged parents not to subject their wards to such distressing situations.

He said: “Council is investigating a number of such cases and the registration of such candidates would be annulled.”

“Parents are urged not to traumatise their wards by such actions,” he cautioned.

“A total number of 600,714 candidates, comprising 300,323 males and 300,391 females from 18,993 participating schools entered for the school examination,” he added.

He emphasized that the BECE for schools and private candidates will take place from Monday, August 7 to Friday, August 11, 2023, nationwide.

A total of 600,714 candidates, consisting of 300,323 males and 300,391 females from 18,993 participating schools, have been registered for the school examination.

This year's figure represents an 8.8% increase compared to the 2022 entry figure of 552,276 candidates.

“This is made up of 889 males and 854 females. This year’s figure is 5.4 per cent higher than the entry figure of 1,132 for 2022.”

As for the BECE for private candidates, there are 1,743 candidates registered, comprising 889 males and 854 females. This figure is 5.4% higher than the 2022 entry figure of 1,132 candidates.

The increase in the number of candidates is attributed to the rise in school enrollments across the country.

The BECE for school candidates will be conducted at 2,137 examination centers nationwide, while 15 centers, mainly located in regional capitals, will be used for the BECE for private candidates.