The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has said he has instructed the Ghana Education Service (GES) to investigate an incident in which a Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate was reportedly denied the opportunity to sit for the exam after arriving late at the centre.
Mr. Iddrisu has expressed deep concern over the development and called on the Director-General of the GES to act on the matter swiftly. He notes the probe is ongoing and the report will soon be made public.
“There is a student who was involved in an accident and, upon arrival, was prevented from taking the exams. This would be a double tragedy—he has already endured emotional trauma, and denying him the opportunity to write the exams worsens it,” the Minister said.
“The Director-General and his team are investigating the matter, and appropriate remedial action will be taken in accordance with national assessment rules.”
The Minister made these remarks during a tour of the Garrison School BECE centre in Accra, where he was accompanied by the Minister of Defence, Dr. Omane Boamah. The centre currently hosts more than 600 candidates writing this year’s BECE.
Dr. Boamah encouraged the students to remain focused and confident throughout the examination process.
“As you approach the paper, start with the questions you can answer first. Don’t waste time on difficult ones—cover what you can before going back to tackle the rest. Most importantly, don’t panic,” he advised.
Mr. Iddrisu also urged students from Garrison Primary and La Salem Primary Schools to approach the exams with honesty and discipline.
“I urge all candidates to write the exams with integrity,” he said.
He further stated that his visit served a dual purpose: to motivate the students and to assess the current state of infrastructure at the center.
“My visit affords me two opportunities—first, to assess the school’s infrastructure. I’m sure the Minister of Defence will soon be advising me: ‘Can we build an ICT center here at the Garrison School?’ We will certainly consider that.”
Later in the day, the Education Minister visited La Salem Primary School, where he encouraged students to give their best in the exams and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a fair and supportive environment for all candidates.
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