WAEC defends 2026 BECE results; rejects claims of bias against private school candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has dismissed allegations that it discriminated against candidates from private schools in the release of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.

WAEC insists that its assessment process was fair, transparent and professionally conducted.

The Council also says it is open to any independent investigation into the controversy, provided the review is undertaken by experts in examination assessment.

The release of this year's BECE results has sparked widespread concern among parents, students and private school operators, with many questioning the grading outcomes.

The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has accused WAEC of unfairly treating candidates from private schools, claiming that the grading system disadvantaged thousands of students.

The association has petitioned the Ministry of Education and announced plans to stage a picket, demanding the establishment of an independent body to review and evaluate WAEC's assessment and grading process.

Responding to the concerns at a press conference in Accra on August 6, WAEC rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless and unsupported by evidence.

"The Council remains firmly committed to fairness and preserving the credibility of its examinations. Every candidate is given an equal opportunity to demonstrate his or her ability, and every script is treated impartially throughout the assessment process," Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, said.

He urged the public not to give credence to claims that the Council deliberately disadvantaged candidates from private schools.

"The West African Examinations Council therefore urges members of the public to ignore claims that it deliberately disadvantaged candidates from private schools. Such allegations undermine public confidence in the examination system and are not supported by evidence," he stated.

Mr. Kapi further encouraged stakeholders with concerns about the results to follow the official review procedures rather than rely on speculation.

"The Council encourages stakeholders who have genuine concerns regarding examination results to utilise the established channels for seeking clarification rather than relying on speculation or misinformation," he added.

"The Council encourages stakeholders who have genuine concerns regarding examination results to utilise the established channels for seeking clarification rather than relying on speculation or misinformation," he added.