Scores of final-year students at Sekondi College who were unable to sit for the first part of their Chemistry examination say they are emotionally devastated and fear they may never recover from the traumatic experience.
Some of the affected students believe their years of hard work in school have been wasted after being denied the opportunity to write the paper.
They remain divided over whether to sit for the Chemistry practical examination, with some arguing that missing the first paper has already ruined their chances of passing the subject.
“I feel like my life has ended. As a girl, I have disappointed myself and my parents. Even though I know I may fail, I will still write the practical paper. I have dreams and plans for my future, so I have to keep going,” one student said.
Others were too overwhelmed to speak. Amid sobs, one affected student stood silently in front of the examination hall, wiping away tears.
Students who were able to write the first paper could only sympathise with their colleagues and encourage them to continue with the practical examination.
“Chemistry is our elective subject and is very important to our academic progress. It is a huge blow not to be able to write it. However, I still believe my friends should go ahead and sit for the practicals because the damage has already been done. We will continue to support and encourage them. At this point, all we have is each other,” a student said.
Some students also fear the incident could affect their performance in the remaining papers.
ConnectNews has gathered that school authorities are preparing a formal complaint to the Western Regional Office of the Ghana Education Service.
Meanwhile, the school’s chaplain has been engaging the affected students, offering counselling and encouragement to help them maintain the right psychological frame of mind for the rest of the examinations.
By Eric Yaw Adjei
