Claim: A Facebook user, Efo Kwesi Mawuto, has alleged that 78% of this year’s BECE candidates had an aggregate score of 33 and above, citing the Ghana Education Service (GES) as the source.
Verdict: False. Research by DUBAWA reveals that the claim is not based on official GES data. GES does not publish statistics related to BECE candidates’ performance.
Full Text
The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) marks the transition for students from junior high school to senior high school. Given its importance, performance statistics are often a subject of interest for students, parents, and educators alike.
A Facebook user recently posted that many candidates who took the BECE this year have failed their exams.
Specifically, in a post dated October 23, 2024, he alleged that “78% of this year’s BECE candidates had aggregate 33 and above,” attributing the information to the Ghana Education Service (GES).
This claim quickly attracted attention on social media, with some users agreeing and amplifying the claim.
Reacting to the Facebook post, Akwasi Sunday wrote, “Chairman, it’s very true because I have a son and siblings in.”
Due to the post’s potential to cause panic, DUBAWA verified the claim as part of its campaign against misinformation and disinformation in Ghana.
Verification
DUBAWA’s investigation into the claim found that no such information had been released by the Ghana Education Service or any other relevant authority in education.
A Ghana Education Service (GES) administrator, Isaac Ofori, confirmed that no such statistics exist.
“No statistics have come out, and WAEC has not released any official decision prior to that. It’s just a political propaganda report.”
Contrary to social media claims, GES does not release performance data for BECE candidates. It relies on WAEC for these kinds of statistics.
To clarify further, DUBAWA contacted John Kapi, the Head of Public Affairs at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), who confirmed that the council does not publish statistics regarding candidates’ performance.
“And we have no intention of putting out any,” he added.
“Usually, we release statistics on the performance of candidates for the WASSCE because we’re able to compare their performance with that of other years. But with BECE, we have not released any statistics to indicate what percentage has passed and what percentage has failed.”
He added that such claims can create unnecessary panic among students, parents, and educators. Students may feel demoralised or anxious about their performance, leading to stress and decreased motivation.
“Well, from where I sit, I would say that the statement is misleading because it has no basis. Nobody has been able to tell us the exact source of the statement.”
DUBAWA also sent Efo Kwesi Mawuto a message on Facebook to share his source on the claim, but he has not responded as of press time.
Conclusion
The claim that 78% of BECE candidates scored an aggregate of 33 and above is False. The Ghana Education Service, or WAEC, have not released official data to support this assertion.