GES cautions against fake BECE selection notice

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has dismissed as false a widely circulated announcement claiming that the 2026 school selection exercise for candidates sitting the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) officially began on June 15.

In a statement issued on June 14, 2026, the Service clarified that it has not yet announced the commencement of the school selection process and urged candidates, parents, guardians, teachers, and the general public to disregard the misleading information currently being shared across social media platforms and messaging applications.

The GES stressed that the purported notice did not originate from the Service and should not be treated as an official communication.

According to the GES, the false announcement claimed that BECE candidates were required to select and submit five preferred senior high schools ahead of the placement process.

The fraudulent message further suggested that there was no deadline for the submission of school choices and directed candidates and parents to seek assistance through an unofficial WhatsApp support line.

Education authorities say the information is entirely inaccurate and does not reflect any decision or directive issued by the Ghana Education Service.

"The publication did not originate from the Ghana Education Service and should be disregarded in its entirety," the statement emphasized.

The Service reiterated that all official information relating to the BECE school selection exercise and the Computerised School Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) will be communicated through recognized and authorized channels.

GES advised students and parents to be cautious of unofficial messages, social media posts, and third-party communications that claim to provide information about school placement procedures.

Officials noted that any legitimate announcement concerning school selection dates, guidelines, deadlines, and placement arrangements will be made publicly available through official government and education sector communication platforms.

The Ghana Education Service also warned that engaging with individuals behind such fake announcements could expose unsuspecting members of the public to scams, fraud, identity theft, and other forms of exploitation.

Parents and candidates were specifically cautioned against sharing personal information, examination details, contact information, or financial data with unauthorized persons claiming to offer school selection support.

Education authorities expressed concern that misinformation surrounding the BECE placement process often increases during examination periods, creating opportunities for fraudsters to target anxious students and parents.

The Service urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious communications to the appropriate authorities.

GES encouraged all stakeholders within the education sector to verify information before acting on it.

The Service advised parents, teachers, candidates, and school administrators to rely exclusively on official announcements from the Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Education.

Officials emphasized that verifying information from trusted sources is essential to preventing confusion and protecting students from misinformation.

While the Service has not yet disclosed a date for the commencement of the 2026 school selection exercise, it assured candidates and their families that adequate notice will be provided when the process is ready to begin.

The school selection exercise is a crucial stage of the Computerised School Selection and Placement System, allowing BECE candidates to choose their preferred senior high schools and technical institutions before placement is conducted.

Education authorities say further updates regarding the exercise will be communicated through official channels at the appropriate time.

Until then, candidates and parents have been advised to ignore all unofficial notices and await guidance directly from the Ghana Education Service.

The latest clarification forms part of ongoing efforts by the GES to combat misinformation and ensure that students and parents receive accurate and timely information regarding key educational processes.