GES Issues Directive on Use of SHS/SHTS Facilities and Management of Students During 2026 BECE Examination Period
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has released comprehensive directives to all Regional Directors of Education outlining how Senior High Schools (SHS) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTS) serving as BECE examination centres are to be managed during the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination.
The examination is expected to take place from 4th to 11th May, 2026, and all affected schools are required to strictly comply with the instructions to ensure smooth conduct of the exercise.
The directive, referenced GES/S&ID/BECE2026/005 and dated 15th April, 2026, outlines clear measures to ensure smooth examination delivery while maintaining discipline and effective management of students in affected schools.
Use of SHS/SHTS Facilities for BECE
GES has confirmed that selected SHS and SHTS institutions will be used as examination centres for the BECE. In view of this, school authorities are expected to ensure that all examination venues, especially classrooms assigned for the exercise, are fully prepared and strictly reserved for candidates.
Heads of schools are required to cooperate with examination officials to guarantee a conducive and well-organised environment throughout the period. Normal school activities must be adjusted to avoid any interference with the conduct of the examination.
Engagement of Continuing Students
All Heads of SHS and SHTS whose schools are serving as BECE centres are directed to ensure that continuing students remain meaningfully engaged during the examination period.
This means that students who are not part of the examination process must be assigned structured alternative activities within the school. These activities should be carefully planned to ensure that learning continues in a controlled manner, while also maintaining discipline and order on campus.
Importantly, such activities must not take place in classrooms or spaces allocated for the BECE. School authorities are expected to make arrangements that prevent overcrowding or disruption in examination areas.
Management of Dormitory Facilities
In cases where school dormitories will be used to accommodate BECE candidates, GES has directed that Form 1 and Form 2 students should be granted a short break during the examination period.
This arrangement is intended to reduce pressure on available accommodation and create sufficient space for candidates. Heads of schools are expected to ensure that the temporary break is properly communicated to parents and guardians, and that students are safely managed during their absence from school.
Resumption of Academic Activities
All students affected by the temporary break are expected to resume school immediately after the completion of the BECE.
School authorities are required to ensure a smooth return process so that teaching and learning activities continue without unnecessary delays. Academic calendars should be adjusted accordingly to recover any lost instructional time.
Compliance and Supervision
GES has emphasised that strict compliance with these directives is mandatory. Regional Directors of Education are to ensure that all Heads of affected schools fully implement the instructions without deviation.
The Service further notes that these measures are essential for maintaining order, ensuring the integrity of the examination process, and safeguarding the welfare of both candidates and continuing students.
Official Issuance
The directive was signed by Prince C. Agyemang-Duah, Director of the Schools and Instructions Division (Secondary), for the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service.
If you want, I can also turn this into a news report style (for radio/blog headline format) or a shorter social media bulletin version.