Over 107,000 BECE candidates to undertake self-placement – Education Ministry Explains

Gespages September 18, 2025

0 606 3 minutes read

The Ministry of Education has officially unveiled the 2025 school placement outcomes for students who took the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), marking a key milestone in Ghana’s education calendar. In a move aimed at ensuring equitable access to secondary education, the placement exercise has successfully assigned nearly 590,000 qualified candidates to various institutions, with the majority securing spots through an automated system.

Impressive Qualification and Placement Rates

This year’s BECE saw a record 603,328 students participating across the country. Of these, an encouraging 590,309 – approximately 98% – met the criteria for placement into Senior High Schools (SHSs), Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs), and Technical and Vocational Institutions (TVIs). This high qualification rate underscores the improving standards in basic education, as highlighted in the Ministry’s announcement.

Breaking down the figures, 483,800 candidates, or 82% of those qualified, have been automatically placed into their preferred or suitable institutions based on their examination performance, choice selections, and available spaces. This automated process, powered by the Ghana Education Service’s digital platform, minimizes human intervention and promotes fairness.

ALSO READ Schools to Teach Ahanta Language Following National Approval

However, 107,509 candidates – about 18% – did not secure automatic placements due to the intense competition for limited spots in top-tier schools. These students are now directed to utilize the self-placement portal, which went live immediately following the announcement. The portal allows eligible candidates to manually select from remaining available slots, ensuring no qualified student is left without an option.

Navigating Challenges: Insights from the Deputy Minister

Addressing the media in Accra, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Clement Apaak attributed the need for self-placement to the overwhelming demand for prestigious institutions. “The popularity of certain high-performing schools has outstripped supply, leaving some brilliant students unmatched with their first choices,” Dr. Apaak explained. He urged affected candidates and their guardians not to despair, emphasizing that the self-placement system is a robust fallback designed to guarantee access to quality education.

Dr. Apaak also highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity. “We encourage all students to log in promptly and explore the available options. Every placement is an opportunity for growth, regardless of the school,” he added, reassuring families that the process aligns with the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy’s goals.

Expansion of Free SHS: Private Schools Join the Fold

A notable innovation in this placement cycle is the Ministry’s pilot inclusion of private schools under the Free SHS Programme. While only 21 private institutions were available during the initial school selection phase, the portal now features all 70 approved private SHSs. This expansion aims to diversify options and ease pressure on public facilities, potentially benefiting students in underserved areas.

ALSO READ Gov't Declares Public Holiday on July 4, 2025

In total, the exercise encompasses 724 public SHSs and SHTSs, 233 TVIs, and the aforementioned 70 private SHSs – a comprehensive network ensuring broad coverage nationwide.

Support Systems and Anti-Corruption Measures

To assist families navigating the process, the Ministry has established resolution centres at district, regional, and national levels. The national centre, located at GNAT Hall in Accra, will handle appeals, clarifications, and technical support. These centres are equipped to address queries swiftly, with dedicated helplines and on-site staff available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

ALSO READ [Check Here] GES releases postings for Graduate recruitment

In a firm reminder, the Ministry reiterated that the entire placement process is free of charge. “Parents and guardians are warned against fraudulent schemes where individuals demand payments for placements or modifications,” the statement read. The Education Ministry vowed to collaborate with law enforcement to prosecute any such offenders, reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

Looking Ahead: A Step Toward Equitable Education

As the 2025 academic year approaches, this placement exercise reflects Ghana’s ongoing efforts to make secondary education accessible and merit-based. With the self-placement portal active and support mechanisms in place, the Ministry anticipates a smooth transition for all candidates. Students are advised to check their results via the official portal at www.ghana.gov.gh and complete any required actions by the deadline.

For more details or assistance, contact the nearest district education office or visit the Ministry’s website. The journey to higher education begins now – and for 590,309 young Ghanaians, it’s off to a promising start.