On July 8, 2024, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, the Municipal Chief Executive of Abuakwa North in Ghana’s Eastern Region, visited various Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) centers to encourage and motivate the candidates. Accompanied by Mrs. Grace Adza-Awude, the Municipal Education Director, they toured several examination venues, including three centers at Opass, as well as W.B.M Zion Senior High School and Saviour Senior High School.
During his visit, Hon. Bodinga addressed the students, reassuring them that the examination was designed to be straightforward and aligned with their school curriculum. He urged the candidates to perform well, highlighting that successful results could lead to opportunities under President Akufo Addo’s Free Senior High School flagship policy.
In a remarkable gesture of support, Hon. Bodinga announced a special incentive for female students. He pledged a reward of 1,000 Ghana cedis to any female student from a government school who achieves a single-digit score. Additionally, he promised similar rewards to the best male and female students from deprived areas within the municipality, using his personal funds. This initiative, aimed at encouraging academic excellence, has been a consistent part of his three-year tenure as Municipal Chief Executive.
Mrs. Grace Adza-Awude also addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of adhering to examination guidelines. She urged parents to support their children’s focus during this critical period and advised invigilators to maintain a conducive environment for the candidates to perform their best.
The B.E.C.E in Abuakwa North is currently being held across five centers, with a total of 1,478 students (752 male and 726 female) registered to take the exam. Notably, nine students were absent on the first day of the examination.
This visit and the announced incentives underscore the commitment of the municipal leadership to fostering educational achievement and supporting students, particularly girls, in their academic pursuits.
