Private Schools raise alarm over WAEC registration fee hike

The Ghana National Association of Private Schools (GNAPS) has expressed concern over what it describes as the continuous increase in registration fees for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), without adequate consultation with key stakeholders.

The Association questioned the justification for the fee increments, especially at a time when the economy is showing signs of stability, with prices of other goods and services reportedly declining.

Speaking to journalists during the Association’s 2026 Schools Week celebration, GNAPS President, Professor Damascus Tuurosong, warned that the increases place an additional financial burden on private schools and do not serve their interests.

He therefore urged WAEC to reconsider the decision and engage stakeholders before implementing such changes.

Professor Tuurosong also called on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to engage private school proprietors before shutting down school facilities over compliance concerns.

On the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, he appealed to the government to expand the programme to absorb more private schools, describing it as a necessary step to ease pressure on public institutions.