A total of 68,091 Junior High School candidates are set to sit for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across 241 centres in the Central Region, marking an increase over the 2025 figures.
The Central Regional Director of Education, Juliet Dufie Otami, confirmed the numbers, noting that 51,425 candidates are from public schools—made up of 25,258 males and 26,167 females—while 16,666 candidates from private schools will also take part, including 7,853 males and 8,813 females. Overall, 33,111 males and 34,980 females are expected to sit the exams.
She also disclosed that 104 candidates with special needs will participate. These include 46 visually impaired students, 31 with hearing impairments, 16 with learning difficulties, four with cerebral palsy, four who are physically challenged, two with intellectual and developmental disorders, and one with dyslexia. She assured that adequate provisions have been made to support them across the region.
Madam Otami expressed confidence in a smooth and incident-free examination, stating that all question papers have already been distributed to district education offices under tight security arrangements.
She cautioned candidates against bringing unauthorised materials into examination halls, warning that such actions could lead to the cancellation of their papers. Invigilators were also urged to maintain professionalism and avoid any form of malpractice.
In the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District, the Director of Education, Sabina Aba Wilson, said 2,952 candidates from 109 schools will write the exams at nine centres—comprising 1,503 males and 1,449 females—also reflecting an increase from last year.
She noted with satisfaction that no cases of teenage pregnancy have been recorded among candidates in the district this year. Madam Wilson encouraged students to remain focused, avoid malpractice, and strive for excellent results to secure placement in Senior High Schools.
She further urged invigilators to be vigilant and uphold integrity throughout the examination, warning that any individual caught engaging in malpractice would face legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Cassiel Ato Forson, has donated 3,000 mathematical sets to support candidates. He also announced plans to reward students who perform exceptionally well in the exams.