The Ghana government has announced plans to extend the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) from five days to eight days as part of a broader examination timetable reform aimed at easing pressure on candidates and improving the quality of assessment at the basic education level.
According to the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu, the proposed change is designed to reduce the intensity of the current examination structure, which places multiple subjects within a compressed timeframe. He explained that the current arrangement has created stress for students and does not adequately allow sufficient recovery time between papers.
The BECE, administered by the West African Examinations Council, is a key national examination taken by students completing Junior High School. It serves as the main placement gateway into Senior High Schools and technical institutions across Ghana.
Under the proposed reform, candidates would sit for their papers over a longer period, giving more space between examinations. Education authorities believe this could improve performance outcomes by allowing students to better prepare mentally and reduce fatigue during the exam period.
The minister made the remarks while engaging students at Aburi Girls Senior High School, where he acknowledged concerns raised about the existing timetable structure. He noted that feedback from stakeholders in the education sector has influenced the decision to review and adjust the examination calendar.
The BECE is a critical component of Ghana’s education system, which is structured into basic, secondary, and tertiary levels. It is typically written after three years of Junior High School and includes subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Integrated Science, Social Studies, and other optional subjects depending on the student’s curriculum path.
Education analysts say the proposed extension reflects a growing trend in education reform aimed at prioritising student wellbeing alongside academic assessment. They argue that modern examination systems are increasingly being designed to reduce stress-related performance challenges while maintaining academic standards.
The proposed timetable change also comes at a time when the education sector is undergoing multiple reforms, including adjustments to school infrastructure, curriculum delivery, and assessment methods. Authorities have also been working to strengthen examination integrity following concerns about malpractice and leaks in previous years.
In addition to improving student experience, officials believe the extended timetable could also enhance administrative efficiency during the examination period. A longer schedule may allow better logistics planning, improved supervision, and more structured handling of examination papers across centres nationwide.
However, the proposal is expected to generate discussion among education stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and policy experts, particularly regarding the impact on school calendars and resource allocation. Some may also question whether extending the duration could increase operational costs for examination administration.
Despite these concerns, the government maintains that the reform is part of a long term strategy to strengthen Ghana’s education system and ensure that assessment methods align with student needs and global best practices.
The BECE remains one of the most important academic milestones in Ghana, shaping the future academic and career paths of thousands of students each year. Any adjustment to its structure is therefore expected to have wide ranging implications across the education sector.
As discussions continue, the Ministry of Education is expected to engage further with WAEC, school authorities, and other stakeholders before final approval and implementation of the proposed eight day examination timetable.
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