BECE 2026 Results: Haruna Iddrisu announces release date and new SHS selection process
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced that the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results are expected to be released on or before July 31, while unveiling significant reforms to the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) aimed at making senior high school placements more transparent and merit-based.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, July 20, Mr Iddrisu said the release of BECE results remains the exclusive responsibility of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), stressing that the Ministry of Education will not interfere with the examination body's work.
"As I've always indicated as Minister, I don't interfere with the work of assessment institutions like WAEC. It is within their mandate," he said.
BECE 2026 results likely before end of July
Although the final decision rests with WAEC, the minister revealed that information from the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) indicates that candidates can expect their results before the end of the month.
"I'm reliably informed by the Director-General of GES that on or before July 31, the BECE results may be released," Mr Iddrisu stated.
The announcement is expected to provide clarity for thousands of candidates and parents awaiting the outcome of this year's examinations.
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New SHS selection process to begin after BECE results
Mr Iddrisu also announced a major overhaul of the Senior High School (SHS) selection process.
Under the new arrangement, students will choose their preferred schools only after their BECE results have been released, replacing the previous system where candidates selected schools before sitting the examination.
According to the minister, the new policy will enable students and parents to make informed decisions based on their actual examination aggregates, increasing their chances of securing admission into schools that match their academic performance.
"Parents should take note. Once you know the aggregate of your son or daughter, you will be in a better position to determine the schools they qualify for," he explained.
Government reviews CSSPS to promote merit and transparency
The Education Minister further disclosed that the government has established a committee to review the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) amid growing concerns about fairness, transparency and the influence of protocol placements.
He said the review will assess whether the current placement system adequately rewards academic merit or allows room for favouritism and political interference.
"We have set up a review committee to examine the placement system and determine whether it truly respects merit or whether favouritism and protocol influence the process," he said.
Reforms aimed at ensuring fair SHS placements
Mr Iddrisu assured parents, students and other stakeholders that the proposed reforms are designed to strengthen public confidence in the school placement system.
He said the government's objective is to ensure that Senior High School admissions are based on merit, transparency and fairness, giving every qualified student an equal opportunity to secure placement.
The planned reforms are expected to reshape the SHS admission process and improve the credibility of the CSSPS ahead of the placement exercise for the 2026 BECE candidates.
Edem Kwame
Chief Editor
Edem Kwame is a staff journalist at GH News Media, where he covers sports, politics, news and current affairs with a sharp focus on Ghanaian and African football.
