The OMJ Foundation has launched a significant four-month intervention project in Ghana’s Akuapem South Municipality, Eastern Region, to bolster the academic performance of students facing the upcoming 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This initiative directly addresses a concerning 48 percent pass rate from the previous year, aiming to equip students with the necessary tools and support for improved outcomes.
Context: Addressing Declining Exam Performance
The Basic Education Certificate Examination Preparation Intervention Project (BECEPIP) was initiated in January 2026 as a pilot program in response to a worrying trend of declining academic results in the municipality. The previous year’s 48 percent BECE pass rate fell significantly short of both local and national benchmarks, prompting the OMJ Foundation to step in.
The project initially targeted five schools: Konkonuru Methodist Basic School, Kitasi M/A Basic School, Anamerampa Basic School, Pakro Anglican Basic School, and Nsakye M/A Basic School. The Foundation has a long-term vision to expand BECEPIP to all 57 basic schools in the Akuapem South Municipality by the end of 2035.
Key Components of the Intervention
BECEPIP provides comprehensive support to its student participants. This includes fully funded extra classes, with three sessions held daily over the four-month duration of the program. The Foundation also covered the costs of printing essential learning materials and mock examination papers.
To enhance the learning environment, the project introduced modern teaching aids such as projectors. Minor infrastructural upgrades were undertaken to ensure suitable conditions for evening study sessions. Furthermore, the initiative guarantees full sponsorship for transportation for all candidates to and from their examination centers.
Recognizing the dedication of those assisting the students, National Service personnel who volunteered their time to support the program received stipends. This financial incentive acknowledges their contribution to the educational upliftment of the community.
Scholarship Scheme to Motivate Excellence
A cornerstone of the BECEPIP is its robust scholarship scheme, designed to incentivize academic achievement. Students who attain aggregates between 6 and 15 will be awarded the prestigious OMJ Full Scholarship, covering their entire Senior High School education. This offers a significant opportunity for high-achieving students from potentially disadvantaged backgrounds.
Students scoring aggregates between 16 and 20 will receive the OMJ Admission Scholarship, which covers all initial entry requirements for Senior High School. This provides a crucial stepping stone for those who perform well but may face financial barriers to secondary education.
A third tier, the OMJ Ketewa Biaa Nsua Scholarship, is available for candidates with aggregates between 21 and 25. This scholarship includes essential boarding items such as mattresses, trunks, and chop boxes, ensuring students are adequately equipped for residential schooling.
Expert Guidance and Community Involvement
The intervention program leveraged the valuable experience of retired professionals. Teachers, educationists, doctors, and lawyers volunteered their time and expertise to mentor and teach students throughout the four-month period. This blend of academic rigor and practical wisdom aims to provide well-rounded support.
The project officially concluded on Friday, May 1, 2026, with a ceremony at Nsakye M/A Basic School. The event was attended by school officials, Parent-Teacher Association executives, School Management Committee members, parents, local leaders, and community members, highlighting the broad support for the initiative.
A Message of Hope and Commitment
Although the Founder and CEO of OMJ Foundation, Mr. Osei Mensah Joseph, could not attend in person, his message was conveyed by the Foundation’s Manager, Mr. Wisdom Kofi Nartey. Mr. Osei Mensah praised the students’ commitment and urged them to remain focused as the BECE, scheduled to commence on May 4, 2026, approaches.
He reiterated the Foundation’s dedication to supporting motivated learners and encouraged parents to continue prioritizing their children’s education. Mr. Osei Mensah expressed a strong belief that with focused leadership and sustained effort, education can be a powerful tool to significantly reduce poverty in Akuapem South.
His concluding message to the students was one of empowerment: “By dint of hard work and resilience, Akuapem South will rise again—and it starts with you, my cherished learners.”
Looking Ahead
As the BECE candidates prepare for their final examinations, the BECEPIP initiative stands as a testament to the potential of targeted educational interventions. The program’s success could serve as a model for other communities facing similar challenges, demonstrating how strategic investment and community collaboration can foster academic improvement and brighter futures.
Leave a Reply