The 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) officially got underway across Ghana on May 4, 2026, with authorities issuing firm warnings to both candidates and invigilators to steer clear of any form of examination malpractice.
In the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region alone, more than 1,895 candidates are taking part in this year’s examination.
Education officials say all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the process runs smoothly, fairly, and credibly. Security has been tightened at examination centres, with enhanced supervision in place to deter cheating and other irregularities.
Both students and invigilators have been clearly cautioned to follow all examination rules, with strict sanctions outlined for offenders.
Speaking, the Ayensuano District Chief Executive, Hon. Joshua Frederick Yaw Lartey, delivered a strong warning to candidates and supervisors alike.
He stressed that examination rules would be strictly enforced, cautioning candidates against bringing unauthorised materials or mobile phones into the exam halls.
“Don’t carry any paper with you, don’t take phones. If you are caught with any paper, your paper will be cancelled. If you are caught with a mobile phone, the entire paper will be cancelled,” he warned.
He also reminded invigilators of their responsibility to maintain integrity, adding that no form of financial inducement from students would be tolerated.
“For you the invigilators, no one should take money from any student. We should ensure all the rules and regulations governing BECE are strictly adhered to,” he added.
As part of monitoring efforts, the District Chief Executive and the District Education Director visited selected examination centres to observe proceedings and encourage candidates.
During the visits, the team engaged candidates directly, urging them to remain calm, confident, and focused throughout the exams.
Hon. Lartey encouraged students to trust in their preparation and manage their time wisely. “Believe that you can write and pass, and I also believe in you. I know you have prepared adequately for this exam, so don’t go with fear. Just relax and apportion your time appropriately,” he advised.
The District Education Director, Rev. Alexander Naah Amanya, also offered words of motivation, describing the BECE as an important milestone in the students’ academic journey.
“This is another step in your life. It is the beginning of something new. So be bold and remain focused to enable you pass,” he said.
Authorities say monitoring will continue across all examination centres throughout the period to ensure full compliance with examination regulations. The overarching message to candidates remains clear: success must come through discipline, preparation, and hard work—not shortcuts.