Candidates writing the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Ketu North Municipality experienced delayed start times at several centres after examination papers arrived later than scheduled, largely due to logistical challenges linked to distance and road conditions.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA), during a monitoring tour, observed that the distribution of papers from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) depot located at St. Paul’s Senior High School (SPACO) in the neighbouring Ketu South Municipality contributed to delays in delivering materials to examination centres in Ketu North.
The long travel distances, combined with poor road networks leading to some schools, affected the timely commencement of papers across multiple centres.
At the Wovenu Senior High Technical School centre, papers arrived at 09:45 hours, with candidates beginning the examination at 09:47 hours. At the Weta Senior High Technical School centre, papers arrived at 09:40 hours and exams started at 09:45 hours.
The most significant delay was recorded at Afife Senior High Technical School, where papers arrived at 10:00 hours and the examination commenced at 10:10 hours.
Officials attributed the delays to the extended travel time from the WAEC depot at SPACO and difficult road conditions along key routes.
Ketu North Municipal Director of Education, Gerhard Avudzivi, acknowledged that while the examination process had been generally smooth, the distance between the depot and centres remained a serious operational concern.
He explained that drivers transporting the papers were often placed under pressure to meet strict examination schedules, sometimes leading to risky driving conditions.
“If the drivers are expected to be on time, then it means they will have to speed, and that is dangerous for them,” he noted.
Mr Avudzivi revealed that discussions had already been held with WAEC to address the challenge, adding that plans are underway to establish a dedicated depot within Ketu North.
He said WAEC had conducted a feasibility study in the municipality and expressed optimism that a local depot would be operational by next year.
According to him, establishing a depot locally would significantly improve efficiency in the delivery of examination materials and reduce transportation risks.
Despite the setbacks, he assured that the examination had so far proceeded without major incidents, with monitoring efforts ongoing to ensure order and prevent malpractice.
