Breaking News: WAEC releases 2026 BECE results, over 600 candidates sanctioned over cheating

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the provisional results of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for school candidates, with more than 600 students sanctioned for various forms of examination malpractice.

The results were released ahead of the July 31, 2026 timeline announced by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, who had assured the public that the results would be available by the end of the month.

A total of 620,243 candidates, comprising 304,415 males and 315,828 females from 20,789 schools, registered for the examination, which was conducted at 2,237 centres nationwide. WAEC said 3,601 candidates were absent.

Announcing the release in a press statement on Wednesday, the Council said the 37th Meeting of the Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee approved sanctions against candidates found to have engaged in examination irregularities.

“Cancellation of Subject Results of 496 candidates; Cancellation of Entire Results of 105 candidates; Withholding of Subject Results of 119 candidates; Withholding of Entire Results of 48 candidates,” the Council stated.

WAEC further disclosed that the subject results of 2,722 candidates from 229 schools have been withheld for further scrutiny.

“The withheld results may be cancelled or released based on the outcome of investigations by August 31, 2026,” the statement said.

The Council directed affected candidates to visit its irregularities portal to check the status of their results and obtain information on any further action required. Heads of schools and proprietors may also use their results-listing logins to access the status of withheld results.

WAEC cautioned candidates and the general public against individuals who claim they can alter or upgrade examination results for a fee.

“The Council wishes to caution all stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for a fee. Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated,” it stressed.

The Council expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, security agencies, heads of schools, supervisors, invigilators, examiners and other stakeholders for their support in the successful conduct of the examination and the timely release of the results.