2026 BECE: “I expect better outcomes, no malpractices in Ho” — MP tells candidates

As the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) commenced on Monday, 5th May, 2026 across the country, the Member of Parliament for Ho Central, Edem Kofi Kpotosu, has expressed confidence in improved performance while calling for zero malpractice among candidates in the municipality.

The nationwide examination, which marks a key transition point for Junior High School students into Senior High School, began smoothly in the Ho Municipality, with candidates turning up at their various centres to write their first papers.

Hon. Kpotosu, who toured some examination centres to assess the situation on the ground, said that although achieving a 100 per cent pass rate may be challenging, he remains optimistic that candidates will perform better than in previous years.

“I expect an improvement on last year’s performance. Though 100 per cent is achievable, looking at what has happened in the past few years, you cannot vouch for that, but I believe in a better outcome than last year,” he stated.

The MP visited centres including Mawuli School, Mawuko Girls’ Senior High School, Philip Akpo Memorial School and Sokode Secondary Technical School, where he interacted with candidates and invigilators.

He explained that his visit was not only to monitor the conduct of the exams but also to inspire candidates and remind them of the importance of honesty and self-confidence during the examination period.

According to him, students must rely on their own abilities, stressing that depending on others for help during the examination will affect their confidence and personal development later in life. He encouraged them to see the examination as an opportunity to justify their readiness for the next stage of their education.

“They should do independent work so that they become confident in who they are in the future. If you allow somebody to teach you, you owe that person forever, and you will not become confident in whatever you do,” he advised.

Hon. Kpotosu further urged candidates to maintain focus throughout the examination period by avoiding unnecessary discussions after each paper, which he said could lead to anxiety and demoralisation.

“After every paper, forget about it entirely and focus on the next one rather than discussing the previous paper,” he added.

He also offered specific guidance to female candidates, encouraging them to remain disciplined and committed to their education. He cautioned against distractions from men and their male counterparts that could affect their future, urging them to take good care of themselves and stay focused on their goals.

“This is just the beginning of your journey. They should not think it is the end. You should respect your parents, support them, and stay focused on your education,” he noted.

As part of efforts to motivate candidates, the MP had before the examinations distributed mathematical sets to all 3,232 registered candidates within the municipality before the examinations. He explained that the gesture was aimed at ensuring that every student had the necessary tools to complete their exams successfully.

Each set contained essential items such as pencils, erasers and rulers, which are required for the examination. He emphasised that the items were of good quality and could serve the students beyond the BECE examination.

“This is a way of letting them know that someone outside their homes and schools is thinking about them. That person is their MP,” he said.

Hon. Kpotosu also highlighted ongoing government interventions in the education sector, including the construction of school infrastructure to improve teaching and learning conditions.

He disclosed that hundreds of basic and secondary school projects are underway nationwide to provide a more conducive learning environment, which he believes will contribute to improved academic outcomes in the future.

“At the end of these projects, children will have comfortable places to learn. When you build strong foundations, you expect better results,” he stated.

Meanwhile, at the Sokode Secondary Technical School centre, Assistant Headmaster Eric Dordor confirmed that the examination started smoothly, with only a few absentees recorded.

Out of 362 expected candidates, two were absent due to relocation and health-related issues. One of the candidates, he noted, was unable to attend due to pregnancy.

Despite these challenges, Mr Dordor said the centre remained calm and well-organised, with candidates completing their first paper successfully. He added that the examination would continue through the week and end on Friday for the centre.

He also expressed concern about the health of candidates, revealing that two students had to be rushed to a nearby health facility prior to the examination period. He, however, expressed hope that all candidates would remain in good condition to complete their papers.

“We just pray that the children will be in good health to write their exams successfully so they can progress to the next level,” he said.

Some candidates also shared their experiences after the first paper. Ami Jessica, a student of Sokode M.A. JHS, described the English paper as manageable.

“It was easier than we expected. We learnt well, so we were able to answer the questions,” she said.

She encouraged her colleagues and younger students to take their studies seriously, especially in core subjects such as Mathematics, which she admitted remains a challenge for many.

“Mathematics is very crucial, so they should learn hard to pass,” she advised.

Agbenu Daniel, a student of Sokode Gborgame M.A JHS B, described the first day of the examination as smooth despite initial fear. He said the English paper was manageable and praised the invigilators for their professionalism.

He encouraged his colleagues to study hard and follow the teachers’ guidance. Daniel expressed determination to improve in Mathematics and aims to pursue General Arts at Mawuli School, with future ambitions of joining the security services.

The BECE, which is being written by thousands of candidates across the country, is expected to end later in the week, with education authorities urging all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible process.

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