Atwima: A total of 19,671 candidates are sitting for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across four political districts within the Atwima enclave of the Ashanti Region.
According to Ghana News Agency, data obtained from the Public Relations Officers of the Ghana Education Service (GES) in the districts indicates that both Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality and Atwima Kwanwoma District recorded more female candidates than males. In Atwima Nwabiagya South, 4,246 candidates are participating in the examination, comprising 2,195 females and 2,051 males from 44 public and 53 private schools.
Atwima Kwanwoma District registered the highest number of candidates, with a total of 7,158 consisting of 3,715 females and 3,443 males from 76 private and 64 public schools, writing at 20 centres. In Atwima Mponua District, 1,567 males and 1,542 females from 105 public and 18 private schools are writing at 11 centres. Atwima Nwabiagya North District recorded 2,983 male and 2,175 female candidates from 43 public and 37 private schools, with examinations taking place across 16 centres.
The Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Director of Education, Nana Pokuah Amoako, addressed candidates at six centres, including Nkawie and Toase Senior High Schools, ahead of the Social Studies paper on Wednesday. She encouraged candidates to remain confident, reassuring them that the questions are similar to those encountered during mock examinations. She reminded candidates that the invigilators are their own teachers and should not be feared.
The Director advised against examination malpractice, cautioning students to avoid bringing unauthorized materials such as books and mobile phones into the examination halls. She instructed all teachers to return to their respective classrooms, allowing only headteachers to remain at the examination centres. Additionally, she emphasized that JHS One and Two students should continue to receive academic attention and support during the examination period.
Mr. Wisdom Osei Boamah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), pledged support for candidates who excel in the BECE as they transition to second-cycle institutions. He stated that while the central government has systems in place to support all students, the Municipal Assembly will make additional efforts to assist needy but brilliant students in the area.