Government to extend BECE from five to eight days

Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates will soon have more time between examination papers as the government moves to extend the examination period from five days to eight.

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced the proposed reform during a visit to Aburi Girls Senior High School, describing it as part of efforts to reduce pressure on candidates and improve their overall examination experience.

According to the Minister, concerns have been raised over the current timetable, which requires students to write several papers within a limited period, often leaving little room for adequate preparation between subjects.

He said the government has therefore initiated a review of the examination calendar to create a more student-friendly schedule that will allow candidates sufficient time to prepare for each paper.

“I understand that our schedule of the exams for BECE was just Monday to Friday, and that put many of you under some stress,” Mr. Iddrisu said.

He disclosed that under the proposed arrangement, the examination would commence on a Wednesday and end on the following Wednesday, giving students the benefit of a weekend break in the middle of the examination period.

“Accordingly, the government is reviewing the BECE exams calendar. So now the BECE will begin on Wednesday and end the following Wednesday so that adequate time is given to our learners to prepare for BECE across the country,” he stated.

The Minister explained that the adjustment is intended to ease the academic burden on candidates while helping them perform at their best during the examinations.

Beyond the proposed BECE reforms, Mr. Iddrisu highlighted what he described as significant improvements in the Free Senior High School feeding programme.

He noted that unlike previous years, many schools are no longer struggling with food shortages, attributing the development to increased funding support and improved supply arrangements.

“I’m also happy to note that at least for the first time in many years we are not suffering from food shortages in school,” he remarked.

The Minister said government’s decision to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has strengthened financing for the programme, enabling institutions responsible for food supply to meet the needs of schools more effectively.

He revealed that GH¢4 billion has been earmarked this year to support student feeding nationwide under the Free SHS policy.

Mr. Iddrisu also announced plans for a major expansion of educational infrastructure across the country.

According to him, government is expecting approval from the World Bank for a $300 million facility that will support the upgrading of several schools and improve teaching and learning conditions.

The proposed initiative will see 30 Category C schools upgraded to Category B status, while 20 Category B schools will be elevated to Category A.

He added that existing Category A schools would also benefit from additional infrastructure investments aimed at enhancing educational delivery across the country.

The Education Minister said the reforms form part of broader efforts to improve learning outcomes, strengthen educational facilities and create better conditions for students at all levels of the country’s education system.