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.

The 2025 selection for the Free Senior High School (SHS) program under the Computerized Schools Selection and Placement System (CSSPS) has officially begun.

The process started on May 27, 2025, and will close on June 11, 2025—there will be no extensions, so all candidates need to complete their selections within the deadline.

Parents and guardians play an important role in this process, and they are encouraged to be actively involved in helping their children complete the required forms. After the forms are filled out, parents are required to sign them and keep a copy for reference. It’s important to note that once placements are made, there will be no changes, so accuracy is key.

This year, candidates will need to choose seven schools in total: five schools of their choice and two additional options. The selections should include one school from Category A, no more than two from Category B, and the remaining choices from Category C. If a candidate is interested in pursuing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), all five school choices must be from TVET institutions, but they must follow the same guidelines (one from Category A, up to two from Category B, or all five from Category C).

Additionally, candidates must choose three boarding schools and two day schools as part of their selections.

Benita Sena Okity-Duah, the National Coordinator of the Free Senior High School Program, emphasized that the placement process will be merit-based. Once placements are final, no changes will be allowed, so it’s essential for parents and candidates to carefully consider their selections.

The remains of Professor Amedeke, a lecturer at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), have been discovered under distressing conditions after he was reported missing several weeks ago.

Family members raised the alarm when they were unable to reach him for an extended period, prompting a formal complaint to the police.

Following weeks of intensive investigations, police suspected foul play and focused their efforts on the lecturer’s residence in Gyahadze, a suburb of Winneba in the Central Region.

With a court-issued exhumation order, law enforcement officials carried out a search at the residence, which led to the retrieval of human remains later confirmed by forensic experts to be those of Professor Amedeke. The body has since been transported to a hospital for autopsy and further forensic analysis.

Although the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, one individual has been arrested in connection with the case and is currently assisting police with their investigations.

The grim discovery has sent shockwaves through the community, heightening fear and anxiety among residents. Police authorities assure the public that they are working diligently to uncover the full details of the case and bring those responsible to justice.