The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has called on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately reverse its planned 24.24% increase in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) registration fee.
WAEC announced that the fee will rise from GH¢282.35 in 2025 to GH¢350.82 in 2026—a move GNAPS says threatens the educational future of hundreds of Basic 9 candidates in private schools.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Kennedy Donkor, the Association described the increment as “insensitive and economically unjustifiable,” particularly at a time when inflation and other national economic indicators are stabilising.
“Inflation has dropped from 8% in October to 6.3% in November 2025. A reduction, not a hike, would have been expected,” GNAPS said.
The group also criticised WAEC for failing to consult private school stakeholders before announcing the increase, saying the unilateral decision undermines transparency and democratic governance in education.
GNAPS warned that the fee surge risks pushing many economically disadvantaged pupils out of school, as parents may be unable to afford the cost of registering their children for the BECE.
The Association is urging the Ministry of Education and Parliament’s Education Committee to intervene swiftly and engage all stakeholders to determine a fair and equitable fee. It also expressed readiness to dialogue with WAEC and the Ministry to reverse the increment.
READ ALSO:
