The Upper East Region is facing a pressing issue as the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) commences, marked by the participation of 21 pregnant students and 17 mothers who are still nursing their infants. This situation has raised significant concerns regarding the welfare of adolescents and the challenges they face in continuing their education.
According to Nathaniel N-yaaba, the Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES), the figures reported only represent visible cases. He anticipates that there could be more unreported instances among the 19,523 candidates taking part in the exam this year. The total candidate pool includes 8,842 males and 10,681 females, showcasing a substantial female presence in the examination halls across the region.
As the BECE is conducted at 90 designated centers, Mr. N-yaaba expressed confidence in the GES's readiness to facilitate a successful examination experience. "We are committed to ensuring that all candidates, including those who are pregnant or nursing, are granted the dignity they deserve while taking their exams," he stated in an interview with Adom News.
Despite this commitment, the participation of pregnant individuals and lactating mothers in the BECE casts a spotlight on the broader issues of teenage pregnancy and the importance of girl-child education. Stakeholders in the education sector have acknowledged the high rate of female participants but emphasize the urgency of addressing the underlying causes of early pregnancy and motherhood.
Moreover, the GES has issued warnings against examination malpractice, highlighting the importance of integrity during this critical academic period. They urge parents to provide support to their children while also discouraging the gathering of large crowds around examination centers to maintain an orderly and focused environment.
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The interplay of educational aspirations and personal circumstances underscores a complex narrative about young women in the region. While there are accomplishments in female enrollment, the community must unite to address the factors contributing to early pregnancies to foster a more equitable educational landscape. As the BECE unfolds, all eyes remain on how the region will manage these challenges, ensuring that no aspiring student is left behind.
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