The Member of Parliament (MP) for La Dadekotopon and Deputy Minister for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Rita Odoley Sowah, has advised candidates preparing for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to steer clear of examination malpractices.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, a day before the commencement of the exams, the MP—supported by the Municipal Director of Education, Mrs. Habiba Kotomah—emphasized that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has implemented strict measures, including the serialization of examination papers, to curb cheating in examination halls.
Madam Sowah noted that the La Dadekotopon Municipality has consistently maintained a clean record, free from examination malpractice, and urged this year’s candidates to uphold the integrity and reputation of the area.
“The BECE begins on Wednesday, June 11, and it is important that all candidates abide by the rules and conduct themselves responsibly,” the MP stated. “You have a duty to protect the good name of La Dadekotopon by writing the exams with honesty and confidence.”
This year, a total of 3,359 candidates are expected to sit for the BECE in the municipality, with examinations taking place across 12 centers. The MP took the opportunity to offer words of encouragement and advice to the students, reminding them that any act of dishonesty could result in severe penalties from WAEC.
In a new initiative aimed at inspiring academic excellence, Madam Sowah announced the introduction of an award scheme for the best-performing candidates. The top male and female students from both public and private schools will each receive a cash prize of GH₵5,000.
“This award is to serve as a motivation for students to strive for academic excellence and make La Dadekotopon proud,” she said.
On her part, the Municipal Director of Education, Mrs. Habiba Kotomah, reiterated the need for vigilance and discipline during the examination period.
She urged candidates to comply with all Ghana Education Service (GES) directives, including a guideline that advises students not to wear shoes and socks to the examination centers—part of ongoing efforts to minimize examination irregularities.
Mrs. Kotomah also disclosed that all 3,359 candidates had been provided with mathematical sets to assist them in solving mathematical and science-related problems during the exams.
The MP and the Education Directorate wished all candidates success in their examinations and expressed optimism that the municipality would record even better results this year.
