The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has dismissed allegations by the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) that more than 200,000 candidates were under-marked in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
WAEC described the allegation as unsubstantiated and baseless, warning that claims without supporting evidence could undermine public confidence in Ghana’s examination system and the credibility of the examination body.
GNAPS had called for an independent investigation into WAEC’s BECE marking processes, arguing that a review was necessary to establish whether candidates’ examination scripts were accurately assessed.
However, WAEC’s Head of Public Relations, John Kapi, said the association had not provided sufficient evidence to support its allegations.
WAEC Demands Evidence for BECE Marking Probe
Mr Kapi explained that WAEC would be prepared to consider an assessment by another recognised examination body with expertise in educational assessment.
He, however, rejected the suggestion that the private schools’ association itself should conduct the proposed review.
According to him, WAEC operates under strict standard operating procedures designed to ensure fairness, consistency and confidentiality throughout the BECE marking process.
He stressed that candidates’ examination scripts are confidential and cannot simply be made available for inspection without following the appropriate procedures.
“We have standard operating procedures that we follow,” Kapi said, explaining that anyone seeking to review the process must have the necessary expertise in educational assessment.
WAEC Explains How BECE Scripts Are Protected
The WAEC spokesperson said the Council could make arrangements for an assessment if GNAPS clearly defined what it wanted to investigate and provided details about the proposed review.
He said the absence of a clearly defined scope had made it difficult for WAEC to determine how to respond to the demand for an independent probe.
WAEC therefore wants GNAPS to specify the particular aspects of the BECE marking system it intends to examine before any review can be considered.
The Council maintains that its examination procedures are designed to protect the integrity and confidentiality of candidates’ scripts while ensuring that marking is conducted according to established standards.
WAEC Open to Dialogue with Private Schools
Despite rejecting the allegations, WAEC said it remains willing to engage GNAPS and discuss the concerns raised by private schools.
Kapi said the examination body would welcome representatives of the association for discussions aimed at addressing their concerns.
“We are going to speak with them. We are going to welcome them and then have a discussion with them,” he said.
He added that WAEC remains confident in the work it has carried out and the procedures followed during the examination and marking process.
BECE Marking Controversy Raises Education Concerns
The dispute over alleged BECE undermarking has generated concerns among parents, private schools and other stakeholders in Ghana’s education sector.
The BECE is a critical examination for junior high school students because its results play an important role in the transition to senior high school and other second-cycle institutions.
WAEC’s position is that allegations concerning examination marking should be supported by clear evidence before they are treated as established facts.
The Council has therefore maintained that the claim involving more than 200,000 BECE candidates lacks sufficient evidence and could negatively affect public trust in Ghana’s examination system.
As discussions between WAEC and GNAPS continue, stakeholders will be watching closely for any further evidence or clarification regarding the alleged BECE marking discrepancies and the accuracy of candidates’ examination results.
Source: newsthemegh.com