Education
Mayor of Accra Visits BECE Centres, Urges Candidates to Shun Exam Malpractices
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, on Wednesday, June 11, paid a working visit to six Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) centres across the metropolis to inspire candidates and reaffirm the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s commitment to their academic journey.
The centres visited included Rev. Thomas Clegg Basic School, Kaneshie Kingsway Cluster of Schools, Ministry of Health Basic School, St. Mary’s R/C Basic School, John Wesley Methodist School, and Bishop Mixed School.
At each centre, the Mayor offered words of motivation, urging candidates to place their confidence in their preparation and faith in God. He strongly discouraged reliance on leaked examination materials, popularly known as apor.
“At every centre I visited today, I advised the students not to rely on ‘apor’—it only misleads. You can never be certain what questions will appear. What will see them through is their hard work and the grace of God,” Mayor Allotey told the media.
At Rev. Thomas Clegg Basic School, he encouraged the students to trust in God and the knowledge they had acquired through consistent study. At Kaneshie Kingsway Cluster of Schools, he reiterated his stance against cheating and pledged to rehabilitate the school’s park if students passed their exams successfully.
At the Ministry of Health Basic School in Korle Bu, the Mayor commended students for their enthusiasm and reminded them that success lies in faith and determination. His visit to Bishop Mixed School was marked by a generous promise—scholarships for every student who passes the examination.
During a media interaction, Metro Director of Education, Mrs. Justine Ivy Apawu, disclosed that 5,784 candidates were taking part in this year’s BECE within the Accra Metropolitan area. The figure includes 2,363 boys and 3,421 girls, indicating a higher female turnout. She noted that all required logistics for a smooth examination process were delivered on time.
Mrs. Apawu also cautioned against examination malpractice, emphasizing that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) had implemented strict measures to prevent cheating. “WAEC has ensured that Centre A’s questions differ from Centre B’s, and even within the same classroom, no two candidates receive identical question sets,” she stated.
Nationally, a total of 603,328 candidates—comprising 297,250 boys and 306,078 girls—are participating in the 2025 BECE. This marks a 5.99% increase from last year’s figure of 569,236. Candidates will sit for two papers daily, including subjects such as English Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Ghanaian Language, Religious and Moral Education, Creative Arts and Design, and Career Technology.
This year’s candidates are the first expected to benefit from the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy under the new administration, offering a significant opportunity for academic advancement and national development.
Education
“I’m Not Dead” — Paa George Breaks Silence on Recurring Death Hoax
Veteran Ghanaian actor Paa George has dismissed rumours circulating on social media claiming that he has died, describing the reports as false and malicious.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Max FM’s Drive time show with Kumi Kasa, the seasoned actor revealed that he first heard about the alleged death from a friend who called him early in the morning to confirm the news.
According to Paa George, the caller repeatedly mentioned his name to ensure he was truly speaking to him.
“It was early in the morning that someone called me, and he mentioned my name, ‘Paa’, and I answered. He called my name again, and I responded. He asked, ‘Paa, is that you?’ I said yes and asked if he was okay,” he recounted.
The friend then informed him that social media platforms were awash with reports claiming he was dead.
“I asked what was going on, and he said it was all over social media that I am dead,” the actor stated.
Paa George expressed frustration over what he described as the third false death announcement about him. He indicated that such rumours have been intentionally spread over a long period, largely because he has chosen not to confront those behind them.
“I told them they are all sick. This is the third time they are announcing that I’m dead. They do that because I don’t confront them,” he said.
While acknowledging that death is inevitable for everyone, the veteran actor said he was pained by the repeated false reports about his demise.
“Everyone is going to die; however, I’m in pain because it is not yet my time. So if you wish death for me, death will come for you,” he added.
Education
President Mahama Assures Teachers of Freedom to Speak Without Intimidation
President John Dramani Mahama has assured teachers and school administrators across the country that under his leadership, they will be free to express concerns about the education sector without fear of victimisation or intimidation.
Speaking at the 54th National Delegates Conference of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) in Accra on Monday 5th January, 2026, President Mahama said Ghana’s education system can only progress through openness, accountability and dialogue — not silence and repression.
He noted that in recent years, some heads of schools had been sanctioned or transferred for publicly highlighting challenges faced in their institutions, a development he described as unhealthy for national education growth.
“We have emerged from a dark period of oppression in our educational sector,” Mahama said.
“Many school heads were sacked or transferred for speaking up when things were not going well.”
He stressed that critical feedback from professionals on the ground is essential, and government must listen rather than silence those entrusted with the responsibility of shaping young minds.
“The best way to grow our education sector is through transparency, freedom of speech and even criticism where necessary,” he stated.
President Mahama assured GNAT delegates that teachers will not be punished for honesty under his administration.
“As President, I can assure you that I will protect your right to speak up and to point out when things are not going well,”
he pledged.
He said the partnership between government and teachers must be built on trust, mutual respect and open engagement, adding that teachers are key stakeholders in national development.
GNAT delegates welcomed the assurance, describing it as an important commitment toward promoting professionalism and restoring confidence within the education workforce.
President Mahama’s message formed part of a broader call for renewed collaboration between government, teachers and labour unions to strengthen Ghana’s education system.

Education
Amenfi Central District Assembly Commissions Six-Unit Classroom Block at Manso Nkwanta No. 2/Guabase
The Amenfi Central District Assembly is pleased to announce the successful commissioning of a newly constructed Six-Unit Classroom Block at Manso Nkwanta No. 2/Guabase, generously funded by the Government and People of Japan.
The commissioning ceremony, held on Wednesday at Manso Nkwanta No.2/ Guabase, 10th December 2025, was graced by the District Chief Executive, Hon. Peter Amponsah, the District Coordinating Director, the District Education Director, the District Staff and the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Hiroshi Yoshimoto.
This important project, delivered under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, stands as a symbol of the strong friendship and growing cooperation between Japan and Ghana. It also reflects a shared commitment to improving access to quality education.
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