GNAPS Urges Government to Reduce BECE Registration Fees for Private School
In a passionate plea during the launch of the 2026 GNAPS Week Celebration, the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has called on the government to reconsider the escalating Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration fees imposed on private school students. Held on February 10, 2026, at Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, the event gathered key education stakeholders under the theme “Resetting Ghana’s 21st Century Education: Embracing the Creative Role of Private Schools.” This appeal highlights ongoing tensions between private educators and regulatory bodies, underscoring the financial strains on families and institutions in a sector vital to Ghana’s educational landscape.
Understanding the BECE and Its Importance
The BECE is a cornerstone of Ghana’s education system, serving as the gateway for junior high school students to transition into senior high school or vocational training. Administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), it assesses students in core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, along with electives. For many, strong BECE performance opens doors to better opportunities, but the rising costs associated with registration have become a barrier, particularly for private school candidates who do not benefit from the same subsidies as their public school counterparts.
Students across Ghana prepare rigorously for this exam, often in packed examination halls where focus and determination are key.
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The Recent Fee: A 24.24% Increase Sparks Outrage
This year’s BECE registration fee for private school students jumped from GH¢282.35 in 2025 to GH¢350.82 in 2026 a staggering 24.24% increase. GNAPS President, Professor Damasus Tuurosong, labeled this increase as “unconscionable” during his address at the GNAPS Week launch. He argued that despite positive economic indicators, such as reduced inflation, stabilized currency, and lower petroleum prices, the fees continue to rise unchecked, placing an undue burden on private schools, parents, and students.
To put this in perspective, let’s examine the historical trend of BECE registration fees for private candidates
| Year | Fee (GH¢) | Percentage Increase from Previous Year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 77.00 | – |
| 2024 | 214.01 | 178% (from 2020) |
| 2025 | 282.35 | ~32% (from 2024) |
| 2026 | 350.82 | 24.24% (from 2025) |
Data compiled from WAEC announcements shows a cumulative increase of over 312% in just five years (2021-2026), far outpacing inflation rates. Professor Tuurosong emphasized, “We plead for a reset of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration charges to reflect the current economic situation.” This call comes as private schools, which educate a significant portion of Ghana’s youth, argue that such fees subsidize public candidates without equitable support for the private sector.
GNAPS’s Advocacy: A History of Resistance
GNAPS, founded in 1973 as a non-political, non-sectarian body representing private pre-tertiary schools, has long advocated for fair policies in education. Their mission is to lead private schools toward educational quality and excellence, while their vision positions them as a competitive force in 21st-century education. Services include advocacy, professional development, research, networking, and resource provision all aimed at empowering members to deliver top-tier education.
In December 2025, GNAPS led a vigorous campaign against the announced fee hike, urging WAEC to halt the increase and engage in stakeholder consultations. They even collaborated with the Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) to suspend engagements with WAEC, threatening a nationwide boycott if demands weren’t met. Although the reduction wasn’t achieved, Professor Tuurosong described the effort as a “strong signal” that private schools won’t be taken for granted. “We have not surrendered the fight. Surrendering would spell doom for our school children,” he stated.
This isn’t the first clash; in April 2024, GNAPS threatened to boycott both BECE and WASSCE over “exorbitant charges,” highlighting a pattern of unilateral fee decisions by WAEC. The association now calls for unified support from parents, alumni, staff, students, and partners spiritual, moral, and financial to prevent future hikes. “We’ll require the spiritual, moral and financial support of parents, staff, students, alumni and all other partners to succeed in preventing further fee-increases,” Tuurosong added.
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Broader Calls for Regulatory Reform
Beyond fees, Professor Tuurosong criticized statutory agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for their heavy-handed approaches toward schools. He highlighted recent EPA actions in Greater Accra and other regions, where schools faced hefty fines and closures for lacking permits, often without adequate time to comply. “The Agency brutally locked up some schools without affording the institutions sufficient time to settle their bills,” he explained, urging a “reset” in their methods for the critical education sector.
These concerns align with GNAPS’s advocacy role, pushing for policies that support rather than hinder private education, which complements public efforts by providing innovative, accessible options for families.
The Role of Private Schools in Ghana’s Education System
Private schools play a pivotal role in Ghana, often filling gaps in infrastructure, teacher quality, and specialized programs. With over 600,000 students enrolled in private institutions, they contribute to national development by fostering creativity and competition in education. The GNAPS Week theme emphasizes “embracing the creative role” of these schools in resetting Ghana’s 21st-century education. However, persistent fee increases and regulatory pressures threaten this contribution, potentially leading to higher dropout rates or shifted burdens to already strained public systems.
Scenes from BECE exam centers illustrate the high stakes involved, with students nationwide vying for placements in top senior high schools.
Implications and the Path Forward
If unaddressed, these fee increase could exacerbate educational inequalities, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income families reliant on private schools for perceived better quality. GNAPS’s appeal resonates on social media to posts to amplify the call for WAEC to reconsider. The government and WAEC must engage in transparent dialogues to ensure fees reflect economic realities and support inclusive education.
In conclusion, GNAPS’s stand is not just about fees it’s about safeguarding the future of Ghanaian children. As Professor Tuurosong aptly put it, backing down isn’t defeat; it’s a strategic pause in an ongoing battle for equity. Stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education and Parliament’s Education Committee, should heed this call to foster a collaborative reset in Ghana’s education policy.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Share in the comments below!
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