The start of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana saw some dramatic moments for 12 candidates at the Ho Kabore JHS Centre, whose dreams were nearly dashed due to a dress code mishap.
These candidates, eager to obtain their first academic certificates, were almost barred from taking their first paper because they wore slippers instead of the mandated cross-sandals.
Fortunately, intervention from Dr Esther Adzo Yeboah-Adzima, the Municipal Director of Education, allowed them to continue their exams after the morning session.
“The school uniform does not go with slippers,” Dr Yeboah-Adzima emphasized, stressing the importance of adhering to school regulations.
In another precautionary measure, all 260 candidates at the centre had to remove the covers of their pens before entering the examination rooms to prevent any potential cheating through concealed materials. Despite these strict measures, the examination proceeded smoothly without reported incidents.
Meanwhile, across the Volta Region, 36 visually-impaired candidates were among the 29,316 students sitting for the BECE. This inclusive approach underscores efforts by education authorities to accommodate all students, regardless of their physical abilities.
In the Eastern Region, 53,262 pupils participated in the examination, including 68 students with special needs registered by the Ghana Education Service (GES). This initiative aims to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic abilities.
In Kumasi, where 9,274 candidates are taking part in the BECE, officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES) toured various examination centres to monitor the proceedings and encourage students to excel without resorting to malpractice.
Similar monitoring efforts were witnessed in Accra, where the Director General of GES, Dr Eric Nkansah, reiterated the importance of integrity in examinations. He emphasized that rigorous sensitization exercises had been conducted to deter malpractice among students.
In the Northern Region, 33,844 candidates from 777 schools are participating, with education authorities cautioning against any form of malpractice that could jeopardize their results.
Across the Upper East and Upper West Regions, 21,214 and 14,575 candidates, respectively, commenced the BECE without significant challenges, as local officials ensured adequate examination arrangements and urged students to focus on their studies.
Overall, the BECE continues to be a crucial milestone for Ghanaian students, marking their transition from junior high school to senior high school. With measures in place to safeguard the integrity of the examinations, education authorities remain optimistic about a successful outcome for all candidates.