2026 BECE: 620,141 including Togolese and Beninese candidates sit exams nationwide

A total number of 620,141 candidates have begun the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), according to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

This includes 619,985 candidates from Ghana, made up of 304,273 males and 315,712 females, and an additional 156 students from neighbouring Togo and Benin, whose schools follow Ghana’s curriculum.

The examination is expected to run until Monday, May 11, 2026.

Over 600,000 candidates to write 2026 BECE – WAEC

The candidates come from more than 20,000 public and private schools and will write the exams at 2,302 centres nationwide, with thousands of supervisors and invigilators deployed to oversee the process.

This year’s entry marks an increase of over 16,000 candidates compared to last year, reflecting the steady growth in student enrolment.

Across the regions, the Ashanti Region once again leads with the highest number of candidates, followed by the Greater Accra and Central regions, highlighting the scale of participation in some of the country’s most populated areas.

In classrooms turned exam halls, the atmosphere is a mix of nerves, hope, and determination, as students take an important step toward their future.

For many families, this moment carries deep significance, representing years of effort and sacrifice.

Meanwhile, WAEC says it is fully prepared to conduct the exams smoothly. The Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, cautioned candidates and officials to strictly adhere to the rules, warning that any malpractice would incur serious consequences.

“Briefing sessions have been held with the supervisors to tell them what we expect from them, their conduct and so on. We have started with the process,” he said.

“Stationery had been distributed, with others due to be sent,” he added.

NA/VPO