Dr. Peter Partey Anti Endorses BECE Stanine Grading System as Stakeholders Call for Digital and Literacy Reforms

Education expert Dr. Peter Partey Anti has voiced strong support for the Stanine Grading System used in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), describing it as a suitable tool for placement into second-cycle schools. As the Executive Director of the Institute for Education Studies (IFEST), Dr. Anti’s endorsement comes at a time when the Ghanaian education sector is facing increased scrutiny over grading transparency and the equitable distribution of educational resources. This period of evaluation is further marked by urgent calls from regional ICT coordinators for better digital infrastructure and the celebration of African literature at the 23rd Ghana International Book Fair. While Dr. Anti supports the Stanine system for its comparative ranking capabilities, he emphasized the necessity of periodic evaluations to ensure fairness, especially following concerns raised by private school operators regarding recent results. He advocated for standardized scores that better align with current curricula and called for independent oversight to maintain the credibility of the assessment process. According to Dr. Anti, greater transparency is required to address claims of systemic disadvantages for private school candidates, noting that any allegations of unfairness must be substantiated by empirical evidence to preserve public trust in the placement system. Parallel to these grading discussions, the Association of District ICT Coordinators in the Greater Accra Region has appealed to the government to prioritize the provision of essential ICT resources across all pre-tertiary institutions. Chairman Felix Kwaku Hini highlighted a significant digital divide, particularly in rural areas where the lack of technology hampers equal educational opportunities. Supporting this drive, the Uniwiz Foundation recently organized a workshop focused on enhancing educational technology, with CEO Larry Wisdom Quarme-Doe stressing that investing in educators is paramount to preparing the next generation for a tech-driven global economy. The broader educational landscape is also being enriched through cultural and specialized training initiatives. At the 23rd Ghana International Book Fair, Pegasus Publishing Limited showcased a diverse portfolio of educational titles and digital animations designed to modernize African storytelling for students and teachers. Simultaneously, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) concluded a high-level United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers Course. Brigadier General Lawrence Deku and UN officials urged participants to act as 'force multipliers' by transferring their specialized knowledge to national training systems, underscoring a commitment to gender parity and international standards in professional development. Collectively, these developments reflect a multi-faceted approach to refining Ghana’s educational framework. From the technicalities of BECE placement to the integration of digital literacy and the promotion of local literature, stakeholders are pushing for a more transparent, well-resourced, and globally competitive system. The ongoing collaboration between government bodies, private publishers, and international partners like the Swiss Embassy and the Canadian Ministry of Defence remains crucial in achieving these long-term educational goals.