Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu has announced that the results of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) are expected to be released on or before July 31, paving the way for the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) to begin.
Speaking at the Government’s Accountability Series on Monday, July 20, the Minister stressed that the release of examination results remains the sole responsibility of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), insisting that he would not interfere with the work of the assessment body.
“As I’ve always indicated as Minister, I don’t interfere with the work of assessment institutions of WAEC. It is within their domain,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu, however, disclosed that he had received indications from the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) that the results could be released before the end of the month.
“I’m reliably informed by the Director-General of GES that on or before 31st July, the BECE results may be released,” he added.
Government Reviews School Placement System
The Education Minister acknowledged the challenges many parents and students face during the senior high school placement process, citing inadequate infrastructure and rising demand for secondary education.
He admitted that government has not yet secured sufficient resources to fully address the problem but said ongoing interventions, including the Sustainable Development for Improved Access to Tertiary Education and Jobs (STAR-J) project, are aimed at expanding educational infrastructure.
“Justifiably so, in truth, we have not had the resources to respond head-on to this challenge. In order to resolve it, we need adequate resources to expand infrastructure by way of classroom blocks and then lecture theatres,” he said.
Mr Iddrisu appealed for patience as the government implements reforms to improve the placement process.
“You may have to give me another year, then I’ll be better off in resolving the school placement issues,” he stated.
Merit-Based Placements
The Minister revealed that the government has established a committee to review the CSSPS with the aim of strengthening transparency and ensuring school placements are based on merit rather than influence or political intervention.
“We have had to set up a review committee of the placement system itself and to subject it to questions. Does it respect merit? And is it done on the basis of favouritism? And politicians taking advantage of it to reward protocol and not merit?” he said.
According to Mr Iddrisu, the reforms will allow parents and students to make more informed school choices after candidates receive their examination results.
“We intend to run an open, transparent placement system,” he said.
Under the proposed arrangement, BECE candidates will select their preferred senior high schools only after their results have been released.
“Parents take note, under the weight of the aggregate of your son or daughter, you would know whether your daughter or son belongs,” the Minister added.
