Thousands of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates across Ghana could soon face a major shift in how they select Senior High Schools, as education authorities consider new reforms aimed at improving fairness and efficiency.
The proposed measures—currently under discussion—seek to refine the computerised school selection and placement system, ensuring that students are matched more appropriately based on performance, preference and availability.
Education experts say the current system, though improved over the years, still leaves many students frustrated.
“We see brilliant students placed in schools they never chose, while others struggle to understand how the system works,” said Mr. Kwame Tetteh, an education consultant in Accra. “It needs transparency and better guidance.”
Under the proposed reforms, students may be required to make more informed and realistic choices, with increased counselling at the Junior High School level. There are also suggestions that selection could be done after the exams, when candidates have a clearer sense of their performance.
Parents have welcomed the idea but are urging caution.
“We support any change that makes things fair,” said Mrs. Abena Owusu, a parent in Madina. “But the process must not become too complicated for the children.”
Teachers are also calling for early education on school selection to avoid last-minute confusion.
“The problem starts from lack of proper guidance,” noted Mr. Eric Mensah, a JHS headteacher. “We need structured counselling programmes in all schools.”
As debate continues, stakeholders agree on one thing: reform is necessary—but it must be carefully implemented to protect the dreams of Ghana’s young learners.
