GES Warns Public Against Fraudulent BECE School Selection Notice Circulating Online
The Ghana Education Service has issued a firm warning to the public to disregard a fraudulent notice circulating on social media and messaging platforms that falsely claimed the 2026 school selection exercise for Basic Education Certificate Examination candidates had commenced on June 15.
In a statement released on June 14, the Service made clear that no such announcement had been made and that the document in question was entirely fabricated. The fake notice had instructed BECE candidates to select and submit five preferred schools ahead of the placement process, while also directing parents and students to seek assistance through an unofficial WhatsApp support line — a detail that has raised alarm among education officials.
The GES stressed that the publication did not originate from any of its recognised channels and urged candidates, parents, guardians, and teachers to treat the information with the contempt it deserves. The Service added that all official communication regarding school selection and placement will be disseminated exclusively through its authorised platforms.
The emergence of the fraudulent notice comes at a sensitive time for BECE candidates and their families, many of whom are anxiously awaiting guidance on the placement process. The fake message exploited that anxiety by claiming there was no deadline for submissions — a detail designed to create a false sense of urgency while funnelling unsuspecting victims toward the unofficial WhatsApp line.
Education officials have long warned that misinformation targeting students and parents tends to spike during examination and placement seasons. Fraudsters often use these periods of heightened anxiety to harvest personal information, solicit payments for non-existent services, or simply create confusion that undermines public trust in official processes.
The GES cautioned parents and candidates against sharing personal information or engaging with individuals behind the fake announcement, warning that such misinformation could expose unsuspecting members of the public to fraud and other forms of exploitation. The Service urged stakeholders to verify any education-related announcements before acting on them and to rely only on information issued through official government and education sector channels.
This latest incident underscores the growing challenge of digital misinformation in Ghana’s education sector. As more families rely on social media and messaging apps for information, the risk of exposure to fraudulent communications increases. The GES has called on the public to remain vigilant and to report suspicious notices to the appropriate authorities.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
