Private Schools Accuse WAEC of Unfair Grading, Demand Independent Review of 2026 BECE Marking
GNACOPS Petitions Ministry of Education Over Alleged Irregularities in BECE Results
The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has called on the Ministry of Education to establish an independent committee to review the marking of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), alleging that many candidates from private schools were unfairly graded.
The development follows growing concerns from private school operators, parents, and students after the release of the 2026 BECE results by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). GNACOPS believes that the grades awarded to many candidates do not accurately reflect their academic performance throughout their years of study.
GNACOPS Claims It Has Evidence
Speaking during an interview on GTV, the Executive Director of GNACOPS, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, said the Council possesses credible data to support its claims.
According to him, private schools submitted the continuous assessment records of their learners through the Ghana Education Service (GES), making it possible to compare students' classroom performance with their final BECE grades.
He argued that the significant discrepancies observed in many results cannot be ignored.
The Council insists that the results issued by WAEC fail to reflect the true academic abilities of many candidates and has therefore called for an independent assessment of the marking process.
More Than 14,000 Schools Raise Concerns
GNACOPS disclosed that after inviting feedback from member schools nationwide, more than 14,000 private schools reported concerns regarding the released results.
The association says the widespread complaints indicate that the issue is not isolated but may affect candidates across different regions of Ghana.
As part of its next steps, GNACOPS has prepared a petition to be presented to the Minister for Education together with affected parents and students.
The association says its primary objective is to ensure that deserving students are not disadvantaged during the upcoming Senior High School placement process.
Call for an Independent Review Committee
Rather than immediately demanding a complete remarking of all examination scripts, GNACOPS is requesting the Ministry of Education to establish an independent review committee.
According to the Council, such a committee should examine WAEC's marking procedures and determine whether the grades awarded accurately reflect candidates' performance.
The association also wants WAEC to make examination scripts available for independent scrutiny where necessary to improve transparency and public confidence in the examination system.
GNACOPS argues that greater accountability will strengthen trust in Ghana's national examinations.
Parliament's Education Committee to Hear Concerns
The Executive Director revealed that GNACOPS has been invited to appear before Parliament's Education Committee to present evidence supporting its allegations.
The association says it will submit all available data and documentation to assist lawmakers in assessing the concerns raised by private school operators.
In the meantime, member schools have been encouraged to provide counselling and emotional support to students affected by the disputed results while efforts continue to seek a resolution.
Ministry of Education Responds
Responding to the allegations, Minister for Education Haruna Iddrisu urged GNACOPS to present credible evidence if it believes there were irregularities in the marking process.
The Minister emphasized that WAEC is an independent examining body responsible for conducting and grading national examinations.
He stated that the Ministry would carefully consider any legitimate evidence presented but stressed that conclusions should not be drawn without proper investigation.
The Ministry has also urged stakeholders to remain calm while awaiting the Chief Examiner's report, indicating that any further action will be based on official findings.
Similar Concerns Raised by Other Private School Groups
The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has also questioned the credibility of the 2026 BECE results.
According to the association, some schools have reported cases where candidates allegedly received grades for subjects they did not register for or sit, while obtaining unexpectedly poor grades in subjects they actually wrote.
GNAPS has appealed to the Ministry of Education and WAEC to thoroughly investigate these complaints to preserve confidence in Ghana's examination system.
The association clarified that it is not accusing WAEC of deliberate wrongdoing but believes the concerns deserve careful investigation.
What Happens Next?
As preparations for Senior High School placement continue, education stakeholders will be closely watching how the Ministry of Education and WAEC respond to the petitions from private school associations.
Should an independent review be approved, it could determine whether any corrections or further actions are required before students proceed with placement into senior high schools.
For now, WAEC has not announced any review of the released results, while the Ministry maintains that decisions will depend on evidence and the official Chief Examiner's report.
Conclusion
The concerns raised by GNACOPS and GNAPS have sparked a national conversation about transparency and accountability in the marking of the 2026 BECE.
While the private school associations insist they have evidence that many candidates were unfairly graded, the Ministry of Education has called for patience and credible documentation before any action is taken.
The coming days are expected to be crucial as Parliament, the Ministry of Education, and WAEC examine the petitions and determine whether further investigations into the 2026 BECE marking process are necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are private schools challenging the 2026 BECE results?
Private school associations say many students received grades that do not reflect their classroom performance and continuous assessment records.
What is GNACOPS requesting?
The association wants the Ministry of Education to establish an independent committee to review WAEC's marking of the 2026 BECE.
Has WAEC agreed to review the results?
As of now, WAEC has not announced any independent review of the released BECE results.
What has the Ministry of Education said?
The Ministry has urged stakeholders to submit credible evidence and says any action will be guided by the Chief Examiner's report.