The Central Regional Director of Education, Dr. Mrs. Juliette Otami, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the first day of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), describing it as largely successful despite a few minor incidents.
Speaking after monitoring selected examination centres in Cape Coast, Dr. Otami indicated that a regional monitoring team had been deployed across various districts to ensure a smooth exercise.
“Our monitoring has gone well. Today, my team and I visited three centres, while other officials are also covering different districts across the region,” she said.
Her first stop was at Holy Child School, where candidates with special needs, including visually and hearing-impaired students, were writing their exams.
She indicated that there are about four visually impaired candidates and approximately 25 hearing-impaired students writing at Holy Child School.
However, she disclosed an unexpected incident involving a candidate who had to be rushed to the hospital during the examination.
“One child had to be taken to the hospital because she went into labour. We are hopeful she will go through safely and return to continue her papers,” Dr. Otami explained.
At another centre, Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child Jesus Centre, she mentioned that arrangements had been made to support a special needs candidate who required additional time to complete her paper.
Her final stop was at Efutu Senior High School, where she observed that candidates had just completed their first paper without any issues.
Dr. Otami emphasized that the monitoring teams remain on standby to promptly address any challenges that may arise across the region.
Describing the day as a “half day” since the second paper was yet to begin, she expressed gratitude for the smooth start.
She also took the opportunity to encourage candidates to remain honest throughout the examination period.
“To my students, you have completed your first paper successfully. I urge you to say no to examination malpractice and yes to honesty and integrity. That has been our slogan, and I believe you will live by it,” Dr. Otami advised.
She appealed to parents and guardians to provide adequate support for candidates during the examination period, particularly in terms of nutrition and rest.
“Parents, as the children are writing, let us ensure that they eat well and also rest well. Some of the children told us they came to the exam hungry because they did not eat before coming,” she revealed.
She further urged parents to make sure candidates take breakfast before leaving for their papers and to reduce household responsibilities during this critical period.
“We are appealing to parents and guardians to reduce domestic chores. At least for this period, give them the peace of mind to write their exams. After Friday, they can return to assist at home,” she said.
Dr. Otami also called on communities to continue supporting and encouraging candidates, emphasizing the importance of the examination in shaping their future.
“Let us continue to sensitise them and remind them that this is a crucial step in their future. We also ask for prayers and support for our children,” she added.
She concluded by wishing all candidates success in the remaining papers.
Source: Angelina Riley Hayford/ATLFMNEWS
