The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has officially released the provisional results of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), a milestone eagerly awaited by over 600,000 candidates across the country. While the majority of students can now access their results to begin the next phase of their education, the release has been overshadowed by instances of examination malpractice, with the Council announcing the cancellation of some results and the withholding of others pending further investigation.
According to WAEC, a total of 603,328 candidates from 20,395 schools sat for this year’s BECE, made up of 297,250 males and 306,078 females. Out of this number, 2,526 candidates were absent from the examination. The Council has described the conduct of the examination as largely smooth and successful, but stressed that the integrity of the results could not be compromised, hence the tough actions taken against those found guilty of irregularities.
Results Cancelled
In its official statement, WAEC confirmed that the entire results of 177 candidates have been cancelled. This sanction was applied after the Council established clear evidence of examination malpractice in several centers. In addition, 718 candidates have had their results for specific subjects cancelled, with WAEC explaining that the decision followed the detection of cheating, collusion, and the use of unauthorized materials during the tests.
Results Withheld
In what WAEC describes as “cases under investigation,” the entire results of 93 candidates have been withheld. This means the affected candidates will not be able to access their results until the investigations are concluded. Beyond these, 1,240 other candidates have also had some of their subject results withheld. WAEC explained that these cases require further scrutiny by its investigative committees, which are working with school authorities to establish the facts.
The Council further revealed that results from 119 schools have been cancelled for certain subjects, while those from 87 schools have been withheld. These institutional-level actions, WAEC emphasized, are part of a broader strategy to discourage widespread malpractice and ensure that collective misconduct does not undermine the credibility of the national examination.
Next Steps for Affected Candidates
WAEC has assured candidates whose results have been withheld that their cases will be resolved by September 6, 2025. Depending on the findings of the investigations, some withheld results may be released, while others may be permanently cancelled.
The Council has also provided an online platform to guide candidates and parents through the process. By visiting waecgh.org and clicking on the “withheld/cancelled” button on the homepage, candidates can access the Irregularity and Investigations Portal. This tool allows affected candidates to view the specific reason their results were withheld or cancelled and, where applicable, receive instructions on the next steps.
Upholding Integrity in Education
Educational stakeholders have reacted with mixed feelings to WAEC’s decision. While some parents expressed disappointment over the fate of their children, others have praised the Council for its firm stand against malpractice, arguing that the long-term credibility of Ghana’s education system is at stake.
Commenting on the development, an education analyst noted:
“The cancellation of results may be painful for the affected candidates, but it sends a clear message that cutting corners will not be tolerated. The BECE is not just an examination—it’s the gateway to higher education and future careers. Its credibility must be protected at all costs.”
Looking Ahead
The release of the 2025 BECE results paves the way for the placement of successful candidates into senior high schools under the Computerized School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS). Parents and students are already preparing for the next phase, even as affected candidates anxiously await the outcome of WAEC’s investigations.
WAEC has reiterated its commitment to transparency and fairness, assuring the public that all decisions are made in line with established regulations. With more than 600,000 young students depending on the credibility of this examination for their academic future, the Council insists that its uncompromising stance against malpractice is the only way to preserve trust in the system.
As the dust settles on the release of this year’s results, one thing remains clear: while the majority of candidates celebrate the end of their basic school journey, the 177 whose results were cancelled and the 93 still awaiting their fate face a difficult lesson in integrity—one that may shape their future as much as the exams themselves.
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