The Aduwamase Old Students Association (ASA), led by its President Mensah Francis, urged final-year pupils of Aduwamase D/A Basic School in the Atwima Kwanwoma District to focus on their studies and shun examination malpractice as they prepare for the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The call was made during a donation of essential learning materials to the students on a date aligning with the period leading up to the May 4-11, 2026 examination window.
Context of Examination Integrity Concerns
Mensah Francis’s advisory comes amidst persistent concerns regarding the integrity of national examinations in Ghana. The West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which supervises major assessments like the BECE, faces ongoing challenges in preventing cheating and ensuring a fair examination process. The emphasis on avoiding malpractice highlights the educational authorities’ and stakeholders’ commitment to upholding academic standards.
Direct Appeal to Candidates
Speaking to the candidates, Mensah Francis, also a journalist, reassured them that the BECE questions are designed to reflect the curriculum they have been taught. He strongly advised against relying on leaked questions or informal aids, commonly referred to as “apor.” He stressed that the examination should be approached with the same diligence as any regular school test.
“Don’t panic. The questions are from what you’ve been taught. Just stay focused and avoid any form of malpractice,” he stated. He further elaborated, “My message to our children writing this year’s exam is to see this exam as a normal one. The examination council has strengthened supervision, which will make it difficult to cheat in the exam hall. For that matter, they shouldn’t rely on questions from other people.”
ASA’s Annual Support Programme
The donation of mathematical sets, pens, and rulers is part of ASA’s annual support initiative aimed at equipping final-year students for their crucial examinations. This gesture ensures that no candidate is hindered by a lack of basic stationery, a common challenge for many students.
Commendation for Educators and Parental Advice
Mensah Francis took the opportunity to commend the teachers at Aduwamase D/A Basic School for their dedication. He expressed confidence that their hard work would yield positive results in the BECE. Additionally, he urged parents to prioritize their children’s education, describing it as the “prima materia” or fundamental substance of their future. He advised against unnecessary expenditures that could detract from essential academic needs.
Impact of the Donation
A teacher at the school, Augustine Baah Donkor, hailed the donation as timely and significant. He noted that the provision of these materials alleviates the financial burden on parents and guarantees that all students are adequately prepared with the necessary tools for the examination.
“The provision of these items has eased the burden on parents and will ensure all candidates are well-equipped for the examination,” Baah Donkor remarked. He extended his gratitude to the old students and encouraged other organizations to replicate this commendable initiative.
The candidates themselves expressed their gratitude, reporting that the donation had a positive impact on their morale and confidence as they approach one of the most critical academic milestones in their basic education journey.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Examination Integrity and Support
The proactive stance by the Aduwamase Old Students Association underscores the broader need for community and alumni engagement in supporting educational outcomes. As Ghana continues to focus on enhancing the integrity of its national examinations, initiatives like these provide tangible assistance to students and reinforce the importance of honest academic effort. Future efforts may involve closer collaboration between schools, parent-teacher associations, and alumni networks to address resource gaps and promote a culture of academic integrity among students nationwide.
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