Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu Sends Goodwill Message to 2026 BECE Candidates: “Stay Calm, Be Confident”

As over 620,000 final-year junior high school students across Ghana begin the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) today, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has shared an inspiring message of encouragement and moral guidance.

The Tamale South Member of Parliament extended his best wishes to all candidates, urging them to approach the high-stakes examination with confidence, calmness, and unwavering integrity.

“As students across the country prepare to write the BECE tomorrow, I wish you all the very best. Stay calm, be confident, and give your best in every paper,” the Minister said in his brief but powerful message released on Sunday evening.

A Call for Honesty and Self-Belief

Beyond the usual words of luck, the Minister’s message carried a strong moral undertone. He reminded candidates that true success is rooted in honesty and the discipline to resist shortcuts.

“Remember to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. Your hard work has brought you this far; trust in it. Good luck and success to you all,” he added.

This call for integrity is particularly timely. Each year, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) intensifies its efforts to combat examination malpractice, and 2026 is no exception. WAEC has warned candidates to strictly adhere to all examination rules, with enhanced vigilance measures in place at all centres. The Minister’s message aligns perfectly with this national drive, reinforcing the idea that a clear conscience is as important as a good grade.

BECE 2026 at a Glance

Here are the key facts about this year’s examination:

• Start Date: Monday, 4th May 2026

• End Date: Monday, 11th May 2026

• Total Candidates: 620,141

• Participating Schools: 20,395 nationwide

• Organising Body: West African Examinations Council (WAEC)

This year’s candidate population represents one of the largest cohorts in recent years, drawn from both public and private junior high schools in all sixteen regions of Ghana. The smooth take-off of the examination despite the large number is a testament to the logistical coordination between the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, and WAEC.

A Supportive Atmosphere

The Education Minister’s goodwill message is part of a wider ecosystem of support that has surrounded this year’s candidates. From school-based mock examinations and intensive revision programmes, such as those recently launched by schools like Adisadel College for the WASSCE, to the government’s financial interventions like the GETFund’s release of GH¢22.3 million for WASSCE practicals, the senior high school pipeline is receiving significant attention. The BECE marks the first critical gateway in that educational journey, and it is essential that every candidate feels the nation is behind them.