The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately reverse its newly announced 24.24% increase in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration fee.
The fee has been raised from GHS 282.35 in 2025 to GHS 350.82 in 2026, a move GNAPS described as “astronomical, insensitive, and economically unjustifiable.”
According to a statement signed by GNAPS General Secretary, Mr. Kennedy Donkor issued on Friday, the increment threatens the educational progression of hundreds of students in private schools, many of whom come from economically challenged homes.
The Association argued that WAEC’s unilateral decision disregards key education stakeholders and undermines the principles of transparency and collaboration in school governance.
GNAPS questioned WAEC’s justification for the fee hike, noting that national economic conditions have improved rather than worsened.
The Association cited Ghana’s declining inflation—from 8% in October 2025 to 6.3% in November 2025—and the relative stability of the cedi as reasons the increment is unjustifiable.
“Under such prevailing economic conditions, one would expect a reduction in examination fees, not a punitive increase,” the statement noted.
GNAPS warned that consistent annual increases in BECE registration fees over the past five years have become a major barrier to junior high school completion, particularly in low-income communities. Many parents, the Association said, may be unable to afford the new amount, risking the possibility of students dropping out before writing their final exams.
The Association urged the Ministry of Education and the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education to intervene urgently to protect the rights of disadvantaged children and prevent disruptions in their educational journey.
GNAPS further expressed its willingness to engage WAEC and other stakeholders to ensure that the fee increase is reversed and a more equitable figure is determined.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
