GNAPS question BECE results credibility, cites grade inconsistencies

The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has expressed doubts about the authenticity of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results, highlighting inconsistencies in the grades awarded to students. The association claims that numerous complaints from member schools indicate that the grades do not accurately reflect students' actual performance, especially in core subjects.

During an interview on JoyNews, a GNAPS representative pointed out instances where students received grades for subjects they did not register for or even take, while receiving low grades in the subjects they did sit for.

One specific case from the Volta Region was cited, where a student registered for one set of subjects but was awarded grades for different subjects they did not take, along with a poor grade in the subjects they actually wrote. The representative expressed concern over these discrepancies, calling for a thorough review of the marking and scoring processes to identify and rectify any errors.

The association also questioned the low pass rate recorded by many private schools this year, emphasizing that these schools have traditionally performed well in national examinations and are recognized for their academic excellence.

GNAPS stressed that the current results are particularly surprising given the consistent academic achievements of private schools in the past. The association clarified that it is not accusing any deliberate intent to disadvantage private school candidates but warned that unresolved concerns could erode public confidence in the examination system.

They pointed out that private schools constitute nearly half of Ghana’s educational institutions and play a crucial role in complementing government’s efforts to provide quality education.

The representative assured that GNAPS does not believe there is any deliberate attempt to disadvantage private school children. He highlighted the importance of addressing these issues promptly to maintain public trust in the integrity of the BECE results, as concerns of this nature can demoralize students and affect their performance. The association urged the Ministry of Education and the examining authorities to take immediate action to resolve the issues and restore confidence in the examination process.