Koforidua: A total of 57,559 candidates from 2,221 basic schools in the Eastern Region are sitting for the May 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which runs from Monday, May 4, to Sunday, May 11, 2026. The candidates, drawn from 1,559 public and 662 private schools, will write the examination at 211 designated centres across the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Francis Owusu, Eastern Regional Examination Officer, disclosed that the candidates comprise 28,781 females and 28,778 males. This near-equal representation highlights a significant stride in gender parity within the region's educational sector.
Madam Patricia Birago Gyamfi, Eastern Regional Girls' Education Officer, expressed satisfaction with the strong female representation. She noted that girls have historically been underrepresented in formal education and urged parents and guardians to continue supporting girls at all stages of their education to enable them to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mrs. Ivy Asantewa Owusu, Eastern Regional Director of Education, described the BECE as a critical milestone toward higher education and future success. She encouraged candidates to approach the examination with confidence, remain focused, and uphold the highest standards of integrity. 'Step into the examination hall with confidence, stay focused, and uphold the highest standards of integrity,' she advised.
Mrs. Owusu further urged candidates to remain prayerful, adding, 'With God as your guide, success is surely yours.'