In the forthcoming academic year, the Ministry of Education (MoE) is taking a significant step by introducing a national prospectus tailored specifically for first-year Free Senior High School (Free SHS) students who recently completed the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The initiative aims to ensure that secondary schools do not exploit the Free Senior High School policy by imposing any fees on the 2023 BECE graduates.
MoE officials have confirmed that the national prospectus will standardize the requirements for all 2023 BECE graduates, regardless of the Senior High/Technical school they are placed in as first-year students.
This move aims to eliminate disparities in the prospectus and promote equitable access to education.
Customized Items Based on Academic Programs
The national prospectus will be tailored to the academic program or course pursued by each first-year student. For instance, students in the General Arts program may only be required to bring specific items, such as a cutlass, which aligns with their curriculum needs.
In a related development, the Ministry of Education has established a committee to expedite the creation of an approved Senior High School prospectus for 2023 BECE graduates. Notably, this prospectus will be made available even before the West African Examinations Council releases the 2023 BECE results.
Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum affirmed that transparency is a priority. He stated, “We will publish the list of items that BECE graduates need to procure before starting school.”
This measure aims to provide clarity to both students and parents regarding the necessary supplies.
Dr. Adutwum emphasized that no government Senior High School will be permitted to issue self-created prospectuses to first-year students for the academic year ahead. This change ensures that all students receive a standardized prospectus.
Anticipated Placement for Over 600,000 Graduates
In the upcoming academic year, more than 600,000 prospective Junior High School graduates who participated in the 33rd edition of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) are expected to secure placements in various public Senior High Schools.
A total of 600,714 candidates, including 300,323 boys and 300,391 girls from 18,993 Junior High Schools, took part in the 2023 BECE for School Candidates.
The examination took place from Monday, August 7, 2023, to Friday, August 11, 2023. Additionally, the 2023 BECE for Private Candidates recorded a total entry figure of 1,743 candidates, comprising 889 males and 854 females, representing a 5.4% increase compared to the 2022 entry figure.
The 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for School Candidates was conducted at 2,137 examination centers across the country, while 15 centers, primarily located in regional capitals, were designated for the BECE for Private candidates.
