It is unacceptable; it shouldn’t have happened – Dr. Adutwum on 54,985 BECE candidates missing automatic placement

Former Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum has expressed his concern over the significant rise in the number of BECE candidates who did not receive automatic placement into senior high schools (SHS). According to Dr Adutwum, the number of affected candidates increased from approximately 13,000 in 2025 to nearly 55,000 in 2026, which he considers worrying and unacceptable.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he emphasized that the situation should not be taken lightly, particularly considering the potential consequences for children from disadvantaged communities, especially those in rural areas. Dr Adutwum questioned the sharp increase in unplaced candidates, noting that last year, only 13,000 students faced such a predicament, and now, there are over 54,000.

The Ministry of Education has clarified that the figure encompasses candidates who did not meet the placement requirements, including those who scored Grade 9 in English or Mathematics. However, Dr Adutwum warned that if the data are not thoroughly examined, the impact could disproportionately affect children in rural communities.

He stressed the need for a closer review of the placement criteria to ensure that students facing challenges in specific subjects are not excluded from second-cycle education.