No JHS 3, No BECE: Education Minister Bans Early Exam Registrations

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has announced a new policy to prevent learners who attempt the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) before reaching Junior High School (JHS) Form 3 from registering for the exam.
Speaking on JoyFM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the minister explained that the move is part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s basic education system and improve learning outcomes.
According to Iddrisu, allowing students to sit the BECE before completing JHS 3 contravenes the guidelines of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). He noted that the practice has contributed to poor BECE performance over the years, as students who are not academically prepared attempt the exams prematurely.
"That is why we are seeing a reflection of poor quality because the student is not up to the task but forces himself to write BECE even when he is in primary six or JHS 1 or 2," the minister stated.
He described the practice as unacceptable and emphasized that it will no longer be tolerated under the new policy direction. Only students who have completed the required academic progression and are in JHS 3 will be allowed to sit for the BECE.
This decision aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of basic education and ensure that students are adequately prepared for examinations.