2026 BECE: Dr. Apaak receives GNAPS petition over WAEC’s alleged unfair grading

The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has assured the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) that the Ministry of Education will transparently investigate concerns raised over the provisional 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.

The assurance follows a petition by GNAPS demanding an immediate audit and review of the provisional BECE results released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The Association cited what it described as widespread grading inconsistencies, unusually low pass rates among private school candidates, and cases where some students allegedly received grades in subjects they did not register to write.

Dr. Apaak gave the assurance on Friday after receiving the petition on behalf of the Minister for Education in Accra.

The petition was presented by the Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, with support from the Greater Accra President of the Ghana National Association of Private Schools, Dr. Aisha Asi Akrofi.

Explaining the Minister’s absence, Dr. Apaak said the Minister had been engaged in other official duties but specifically instructed him to receive the petition.

“The Minister would have been here himself. As you know, he’s a very engaging, affable, open, transparent minister. But other very important duties, of course, is absence. He has directed me and instructed me to meet you this morning and to receive this petition on his behalf. And that is exactly why I am here.”

He stressed that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration recognises the indispensable role of private schools in Ghana’s education system and remains committed to treating every Ghanaian child fairly, regardless of the type of school they attend.

“Be rest assured that His Excellency John Dramani Mahama’s government and our Minister for Education believe strongly in the role the private sector has to play in the very important delivery of education.”

He added, “We believe that every Ghanaian child, regardless of whether he or she is enrolled in a public or a private school, is a Ghanaian child, deserves fairness, deserves equity. Because government alone, the state alone, cannot shoulder the burden of providing education.”

According to Dr. Apaak, the current administration has demonstrated its commitment to private education by involving the sector in government programmes and decision-making structures.

He noted that private secondary schools have been included in the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, while private universities are also receiving government support to strengthen research and faculty development.

“This government, under the leadership of His Excellency and the direction of the Honorable Minister, has reached out, more than any other government in the Republic, to the private school sector. We have included you in all activities and programs, even including councils and boards. And that should tell you that we value your contribution.”

On the petition itself, the Deputy Minister assured the Association that the concerns would not be ignored and that the Ministry would handle the matter with fairness and transparency.

“The Minister would not look the other way when there are issues that may negatively affect the capacity, ability and credibility of the private schools in contributing to the human capital development of our Republic through education.”

He further assured the Association that the petition would be submitted to the Minister for the necessary action.

“Be rest assured that the petition will reach the Minister and, as will be expected, he will do the needful openly, transparently, and in a manner that will let you understand that indeed we value your contribution.”

However, Dr. Apaak emphasised that while government welcomes the call for an investigation, it would not prejudge the issues raised until all parties had been heard.

He concluded by endorsing a thorough investigation into the allegations.