Free Basic Education is a Constitutional Right – Kintampo North MP Urges BECE Candidates to Excel
The Member of Parliament for Kintampo North and Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Hon. Joseph Kumah, has underscored the importance of basic education as a constitutional right and encouraged all 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates to approach the exams with confidence and integrity.
In an urgent statement in parliament on Friday, June 13, 2025, Hon. Kumah reiterated Article 38(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates the government to provide free and universal basic education. He stressed that access to quality basic education is not a privilege, but a fundamental entitlement that must be protected and advanced.
According to data from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), a total of 603,328 candidates—comprising 306,078 females and 297,250 males—are expected to sit for this year’s BECE, scheduled from Wednesday, June 11 to Wednesday, June 18, 2025. This marks a 5.99% increase from the 2024 figure of 569,236 candidates. Private candidate enrolment also rose by 19.49%, with 1,661 candidates registered this year.
“These remarkable figures reflect the growing determination among our young learners to pursue academic excellence and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Hon. Kumah noted.
He, however, expressed concern over the persistent challenges facing candidates, including limited access to learning materials, poor infrastructure, and regional disparities in educational delivery. Despite these challenges, he praised students for their resilience and perseverance.
The Kintampo North MP also drew attention to the increasing rate of examination malpractices, particularly in the Bono East and Ahafo Regions, which have been identified by WAEC as hotspots for infractions such as collusion, impersonation, the use of mobile phones, and smuggling of foreign materials into examination halls.
“These unethical practices not only undermine the credibility of our examination system but also erode the value of our national certificates,” he warned. “Let this year’s BECE be a celebration of diligence—not a blot on our collective academic integrity.”
Hon. Kumah called on school heads, invigilators, parents, and candidates to remain vigilant and uphold the sanctity of the examination process. He urged the Ghana Education Service and WAEC to intensify monitoring, public education, and enforcement of sanctions where necessary.
He further appealed to Parliament to support investments in educational infrastructure, teacher training, digital resources, and inclusive education policies to meet the evolving demands of the modern learner, especially in the age of artificial intelligence.
“As our sons and daughters prepare for this crucial examination, let us rally behind them with our prayers and support. Their success is not just personal—it is a cornerstone of Ghana’s future,” he concluded.
Hon. Joseph Kumah wished all candidates success and encouraged them to trust in their preparation and uphold the values of honesty, discipline, and excellence.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
About Author
