The Executive Secretary of Africa Education Watch, Kofi Asare, has called for major reforms to Ghana’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), describing the current structure as overly burdensome for students.
In a Facebook post on May 7, 2026, Mr Asare argued that requiring candidates to sit for 10 subjects within five days for senior high school placement is “torture” and inconsistent with modern assessment practices.
He proposed reducing the examination to four core subjects, Mathematics, English Language, Science, and a General Paper, saying this would reduce pressure on learners while maintaining fairness in school placement decisions.
Mr Asare further noted that many education systems globally now rely on aptitude tests and continuous assessment rather than heavily loaded examinations to determine academic progression. He stressed that Ghana’s assessment model must evolve to reflect current global standards.
His comments come amid the ongoing 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination organised by the West African Examinations Council, in which more than 620,000 candidates from over 20,000 schools are participating. Reports indicate that over 10 candidates and invigilators have been arrested for alleged examination malpractice during the exercise, which is scheduled to end on May 11.
Mr Asare has consistently advocated reforms in Ghana’s education system, particularly around assessment methods, examination integrity, equity, and learning outcomes.
