The Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has assured private schools that his ministry will carry out a transparent investigation into concerns raised over the provisional 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results.
He gave the assurance last Friday after receiving a petition from private schools on behalf of the Minister of Education in Accra. The petition, from the Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS), demands an immediate audit and review of the provisional results released by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
The association cited what it described as widespread grading inconsistencies, unusually low pass rates among private school candidates, and cases in which some students allegedly received grades in subjects they had not registered to write. WAEC has since disputed the association's claims.
The petition was presented by the Executive Director of the Ghana National Council of Private Schools, Obenfo Nana Kwasi Gyetuah, with support from the Greater Accra President of GNAPS, Dr Aisha Asi Akrofi. Explaining the substantive minister's absence, Apaak said he had been tied up with other official duties but had specifically directed him to receive the petition on his behalf.
"The minister would have been here himself. As you know, he's a very engaging, affable, open and transparent minister. But other very important duties, of course, have kept him away. He has directed me to meet you this morning and to receive this petition on his behalf. And that is exactly why I am here," Apaak said.
He stressed that President John Dramani Mahama's administration recognizes the indispensable role private schools play in Ghana's education system and remains committed to treating every Ghanaian child fairly, regardless of whether they attend a public or private school. "We believe that every Ghanaian child, regardless of whether they are enrolled in a public or a private school, is a Ghanaian child, deserves fairness, deserves equity. Because government alone, the state alone, cannot shoulder the burden of providing education," he said.
Apaak pointed to steps the government has already taken to involve the private sector in national education program, noting that private secondary schools have been included in the implementation of the Free Senior High School policy, while private universities are receiving government support to strengthen research and faculty development.
"This government, under the leadership of President Mahama and the direction of the minister, has reached out, more than any other government in the Republic, to the private school sector. We have included you in all activities and program, even including councils and boards. And that should tell you that we value your contribution," he said.
On the substance of the petition, Apaak assured the association that its concerns would not be brushed aside and that the ministry would handle the matter fairly and transparently. "The minister would not look the other way when there are issues that may negatively affect the capacity, ability and credibility of the private schools in contributing to the human capital development of our Republic through education," he said, adding that the petition would be passed on to the minister for the necessary action.
"Be rest assured that the petition will reach the minister and as will be expected, he will do the needful openly, transparently and in a manner that will let you understand that indeed we value your contribution," he said.
Apaak was careful to note, however, that while government welcomes the call for an investigation, it would not prejudge the issues raised until all sides had been heard. He endorsed a thorough investigation into the allegations.
