The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has withheld the subject results of 2,722 candidates who sat the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for further investigation over suspected examination malpractice.
The affected candidates are from 229 schools, according to WAEC, which announced the release of provisional results for the 2026 BECE for School Candidates on Wednesday.
The Council explained that the withheld results will either be released or cancelled depending on the outcome of investigations, which are expected to be completed by August 31, 2026.
“The subject results of 2,722 candidates from 229 schools have been withheld for further scrutiny. The withheld results may be cancelled or released based on the outcome of investigations by August 31, 2026,” WAEC said.
The decision follows deliberations by the Council’s 37th Meeting of the Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee for the BECE, held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
WAEC also announced sanctions against candidates found to have committed examination offences after investigations were concluded.
The Council said the subject results of 496 candidates have been cancelled, while the entire results of 105 candidates have also been cancelled.
Additionally, the subject results of 119 candidates and the entire results of 48 candidates remain withheld.
WAEC advised candidates whose results have been affected to visit its examination irregularities portal and select the withheld or cancelled results option on the homepage to access details of their cases.
The Council said the portal provides information on the reasons for withholding or cancellation and outlines the next steps for candidates whose results remain under review.
Heads of schools and proprietors can also access the status of affected candidates through their results listing logins.
This year’s BECE was written by 620,243 candidates from 20,789 schools nationwide, comprising 304,415 males and 315,828 females.
The examination also included candidates with special needs, including 136 candidates with visual impairments, 282 candidates with hearing assessment needs, and 510 candidates requiring other forms of test accommodation.
The examination was conducted at 2,237 centres across the country, while 3,601 registered candidates were absent.
WAEC said the results have been dispatched to schools through the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Directors of Education, adding that candidates can also access their results through the Council’s official website.
The Council cautioned candidates and parents against fraudsters who claim they can upgrade examination results in exchange for money.
“Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated,” it warned.
WAEC expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, security agencies, heads of schools, supervisors, invigilators, examiners and other stakeholders for their support in ensuring the successful conduct of the examination and release of results.