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The government has announced plans to revise the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) timetable by extending the examination period from five days to eight days in an effort to reduce pressure on candidates and provide more time for preparation between papers.
The proposed change was announced by Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu during a visit to Aburi Girls’ Senior High School on June 10, 2026.
According to the Minister, the current Monday-to-Friday examination schedule places excessive pressure on students, forcing them to write multiple papers within a short period.
“I understand that the current BECE timetable runs from Monday to Friday, and that places many of you under considerable pressure,” Mr Iddrisu stated.
He explained that the government is reviewing the examination calendar to make it more learner-friendly. Under the new arrangement, the BECE will begin on a Wednesday and conclude on the following Wednesday, allowing a weekend break in between.
The Minister said the additional days would give candidates enough time to rest, revise, and adequately prepare for their remaining subjects. He noted that spreading out the papers, especially the core subjects, would reduce the intensity and anxiety associated with the examination period.
According to Mr Iddrisu, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) will oversee the implementation of the revised timetable once the proposal receives final approval.
Beyond the examination reforms, the Minister highlighted improvements in the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) programme, particularly in the area of food supply.
He expressed satisfaction with the current state of feeding in senior high schools, noting that many schools are no longer facing the food shortages experienced in previous years.
Mr Iddrisu attributed the improvement to the government’s decision to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), which has made more resources available through institutions such as the Ghana Commodity Exchange and the National Buffer Stock Company to ensure steady food supplies for schools.
The Minister revealed that the government has allocated approximately GH₵4 billion to support student feeding under the Free SHS programme, demonstrating its commitment to improving the welfare of learners.
Additionally, he announced plans for a US$300 million expansion of school infrastructure, which is expected to be implemented subject to approval from the World Bank.
The proposed reforms form part of broader efforts by the government to improve Ghana’s education system by creating better learning conditions, reducing stress among students, and ensuring schools have the resources needed to provide quality education.
