The Ghana National Council of Private Schools (GNACOPS) has issued a directive ordering all private pre-tertiary schools to immediately halt every West African Examination Council (WAEC)-related activity connected to the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The unprecedented move, announced in a stern communiqué signed by GNACOPS Executive Director, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, signals rising tensions over what private schools describe as “unilateral, unjustified, and economically insensitive” hikes in BECE registration fees.
GNACOPS presented a detailed a pattern of steep annual increases:
2021 – GHS 85.00
2022 – GHS 104.80 (23.29% increase)
2023 – GHS 170.01 (62.55% increase)
2024 – GHS 282.35 (66.08% increase)
2025 – GHS 350.82 (24.24% increase)
The figures, the Council argued, paint a picture of “runaway increments” that add up to a staggering 312% rise over just five years.
The communique described the increase as the sharpest jumps, especially the 66% spike from 2023 to 2024 defy economic logic and place disproportionate pressure on parents and private schools already battling harsh financial realities.
A key issue in the dispute is the widespread suspicion that private school candidates may be indirectly subsidising public school BECE candidates, who do not pay registration fees.
While GNACOPS stopped short of making a definitive accusation, the Council warned that WAEC’s persistent refusal to engage stakeholders or disclose its cost structure “deepens this perception” and undermines confidence in the fairness of the national examination system.
The communiqué also described the situation as one fueled by “opacity, lack of accountability, and unilateral decision-making,” insisting that such practices cannot continue.
Effective immediately, all private schools have been ordered to cease:
- Submission of candidate data
- Payment of registration fees
- Participation in WAEC meetings or briefings
- Engagement with WAEC officials on BECE matters
- Any operational or administrative activity linked to the 2025 BECE
GNACOPS says the suspension is a protective measure to “uphold fairness, demand accountability, and safeguard escalating exam costs”.
GNACOPS outlined strict conditions WAEC must satisfy before private schools can resume BECE registration:
1. Transparent justification for the 2025 fee structure.
2. A full stakeholder engagement, with GNACOPS included.
3. A reasonable and economically fair fee framework.
4. clarity on whether private fees subsidise public candidates.
5. A permanent structure preventing future unilateral decisions by WAEC.
Until then, the Council says the suspension will remain firmly in place.
The Council stressed its commitment to protecting learners, promoting affordability, and fighting for transparency with Ghana’s examination system. But it warned that it will not back down on issues that “threaten educational access or impose unjustifiable financial burdens”.
All private schools under GNACOPS have been instructed to fully comply with the directive, with further communication expected as the confrontation unfolds.
The decision could significantly disrupt BECE registration.
By Benjamin Aidoo
