The Shai Osudoku Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Fred Offei, has urged final-year students gearing up for next month’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to concentrate on their studies to take advantage of the government’s free senior high school (SHS) policy.


He mentioned that beyond the free SHS initiative, the assembly is also preparing special packages for candidates who excel in the examination, enabling them to further their education to the highest level.

The MCE made these remarks after inspecting a district-wide mock examination for BECE candidates, based on the common core curriculum. Sponsored by the assembly, these mock exams aim to assess the candidates' readiness for the upcoming BECE. In total, 2,349 candidates will be taking the examination in the district, comprising 1,238 females and 1,111 males.

Mr. Offei emphasized the importance of this period, encouraging the candidates to dedicate themselves to their studies to make their families, the district, and themselves proud.

Regarding academic performance, he noted that the district's pass rate has improved significantly, from 40 percent three years ago to 68 percent last year. "We are targeting over a 75 percent pass rate this year," he stated, highlighting the assembly's decision to sponsor the mock examinations for all final-year students.

"You have to aim high and excel," Mr. Offei added, explaining that the assembly's sponsorship is intended to assist the education directorate in effectively assessing student performance before the actual examination. He also urged parents to support their children during this critical time by reducing household chores and providing encouragement, especially as this batch is the first to write the BECE under the new curriculum.

Harriet Lomotey, the District Director of Education, explained that the mock exams would be held tri-weekly, with answer scripts exchanged among various subject teachers in the district. These interventions aim to identify and address candidates' weaknesses before the national examination next month.

Miss Lomotey emphasized that the new curriculum focuses on the standard application of knowledge and critical thinking. She urged final-year students to dedicate time each day to their studies to make up for lost time and to approach their teachers with any difficulties they encounter, given the newness of the curriculum.