Six BECE Candidates Absent in Ayawaso East as Exams Begin Without Malpractice

Key facts

• Six candidates absent: three girls from Nima Cluster, three boys from Kanda Cluster.
• 1,176 candidates total (557 boys, 619 girls) sitting BECE in Ayawaso East Municipality.
• on first day; authorities attribute to stakeholder engagement.
• Police deployed at all centres; military paramedics with ambulance at some centres.
• Minor five-minute delay at one centre; materials distributed on time otherwise.
• Dr. William Tsekpo, Municipal Education Director, monitoring tour of centres.
• Reasons for absenteeism under investigation, especially for girls (illness, pregnancy, etc.).

Absentees and Orderly Start

Six candidates were absent on the first day of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Ayawaso East Municipality, where authorities reported a smooth and malpractice-free process. The absentees comprised three girls from the Nima Cluster and three boys from the Kanda Cluster of schools. Dr. William Tsekpo, Municipal Education Director, told the Ghana News Agency during a monitoring tour that efforts were underway to establish the reasons behind the absenteeism. “We are yet to find out exactly why they are absent, particularly the girls. We want to know whether it is due to illness, pregnancy, or any other factor,” he said.

Malpractice-Free Environment

Dr. Tsekpo noted that aside from the absenteeism, the conduct of candidates on the first day had been encouraging, with no cases of malpractice recorded. He attributed the orderly process to extensive stakeholder engagement involving supervisors, invigilators, parents, and Municipal Assembly officials. “We emphasised that no one should indulge in malpractice, and from what we have observed so far, the candidates are working independently and confidently,” he said.

Security and Health Measures

Security had been tightened across all centres, with police personnel deployed to maintain order, while health workers were on standby to attend to candidates experiencing anxiety or health challenges. “At some centres, military paramedics with an ambulance are also present to provide emergency care if needed,” Dr. Tsekpo said. The measures aim to ensure a safe and focused examination environment.

Timely Distribution and Minor Delay

Examination materials were distributed on time, with only a minor delay of about five minutes at one centre, which was quickly adjusted. Dr. Tsekpo confirmed that the logistics were handled efficiently, contributing to the smooth start. He expressed optimism that the municipality would record improved performance at the end of the examinations.

Candidate Demographics and Expectations

A total of 1,176 candidates, comprising 557 boys and 619 girls, are sitting the examinations in the Ayawaso East Municipality. The week-long exercise is being conducted across several public and private school centres. Dr. Tsekpo said, “We are monitoring closely to ensure strict adherence to the rules. We want this year’s examination to be completely free from malpractice so that we can be proud of the results.”

Broader Context of Education in Ghana

The BECE is a critical milestone for basic education in Ghana, determining progression to senior high school. The focus on malpractice-free exams aligns with broader efforts to uphold integrity in the education system. Meanwhile, universities like the University of Cape Coast and University of Ghana continue to play key roles in teacher training, as highlighted by EduRank data, with UCC leading in education studies and teacher preparation.

Outlook and Open Questions

The investigation into the six absentees remains a priority, with authorities seeking to understand the underlying causes, particularly for the girls. The success of the first day sets a positive tone, but sustained vigilance will be needed throughout the week. The results will be closely watched as a measure of the municipality's educational performance.

The bottom line

• Six BECE candidates absent in Ayawaso East; reasons under investigation.
• First day of exams malpractice-free, with tight security and health support.
• 1,176 candidates registered; 619 girls and 557 boys.
• Police and military paramedics deployed at centres.
• Minor five-minute delay at one centre; materials otherwise on time.
• Stakeholder engagement credited for orderly process.