Over 10,000 Candidates Begin BECE in Kumasi Across 35 Centres

A total of 10,016 candidates in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly have begun writing the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across 35 designated centres in the metropolis.

According to the Kumasi Metro Education Directorate, girls make up the majority of candidates with 5,230 representing 52% of the total, while 4,786 are boys. The examination serves as a gateway for students seeking placement in senior high schools across the country.

Of the total candidature, 6,807 students are from 95 public schools, while 3,209 are from 145 private schools. Education officials noted that the breakdown reflects the growing role of private institutions in basic education within the metropolis.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Madam Felicia Owusu Agyemang, Deputy Director of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), led a delegation from the Assembly and the Metro Education Directorate to inspect nine examination centres on behalf of the Mayor of Kumasi.

The team visited Prince of Peace, Bantama SDA, Wesley Demonstration, Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, and Anglican Senior High School, among others. The visit was aimed at observing the conduct of the examination, encouraging candidates to perform to the best of their ability, and reminding officials to carry out their duties professionally.

Madam Felicia Agyemang urged the candidates to remain calm and focused throughout the exercise. “I am optimistic that you will all do well. Write freely and answer the questions as required so that examiners can assess your scripts accurately,” she told students at one of the centres.

While discouraging any form of examination malpractice, she cautioned candidates against using unauthorized materials and advised invigilators to avoid intimidating or harassing students during the examination period.

The Directorate also confirmed that four candidates were absent from the examination without official reason. It said steps would be taken to follow up on the cases after the examination.

The BECE, which runs over several days, is being supervised under strict security and monitoring protocols to ensure its integrity. Education stakeholders in Kumasi have expressed confidence in the preparedness of both candidates and examination officials for a smooth and credible process.