Accra: Two private school associations have petitioned the Ministry of Education for an independent review of the assessment, moderation, and marking processes of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) and the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) have raised concerns over disparities in candidates' examination outcomes.
According to Ghana News Agency, the petition was jointly presented by Dr. Alisha Asi Akrofi, Chairperson of Greater Accra GNAPS, and Obenfo Nana Akwesi Gyetuah, National Executive Director of GNACOPS, to Dr. Clement Abass Apaak, Deputy Minister of Education, in Accra. The associations have observed significant disparities between the examination performance of some candidates and their sustained academic performance, as reflected in cumulative school-based assessments and other documented academic records. These observations, they noted, are not isolated occurrences but recurring experiences reported by schools over several examination years.
Dr. Akrofi appealed to the Minister of Education to constitute an independent review body comprising individuals of unquestionable integrity, competence, and independence to inquire into the matters raised in the petition. She urged the Ministry to determine whether the existing assessment and moderation framework provided adequate safeguards to ensure fairness, consistency, objectivity, transparency, and equal treatment for all candidates, including those in private schools.
She also called for an investigation into whether there are any systemic, procedural, administrative, or operational deficiencies capable of producing disparities or unintended inequities in the assessment outcomes of candidates from private schools. Dr. Akrofi emphasized the need for the independent body to evaluate the adequacy and effectiveness of existing quality assurance, standardization, and oversight mechanisms governing the marking and release of BECE results.
The petitioners have pledged their cooperation with the proposed committee, offering to provide oral and documentary evidence in support of their petition. Obenfo Gyetuah stated that they possess relevant documentary and empirical evidence supporting their concerns. He expressed optimism that the review, undertaken in the national interest, would strengthen public confidence in Ghana's educational assessment framework and reinforce the constitutional recognition of private education.
Dr. Clement Abass Apaak commended the petitioners for expressing their concerns in a civil manner and assured them that their issues would be communicated to the sector Minister. He pledged that the Ministry would take the necessary steps in an open and transparent manner to improve education in the country. Dr. Apaak emphasized that every Ghanaian child, regardless of their status or whether they attend public or private schools, deserves fairness and equity in education. He highlighted the government's efforts to include private schools in all activities and programs under the Ministry.