The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) is just around the corner, and a total of 19,523 candidates in the Upper East Region are preparing to sit for the exams. The exams, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 11, and end on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, will take place at 90 designated examination centers across the region. According to data from the Upper East Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service, this year’s cohort comprises 8,842 boys and 10,681 girls from both public and private basic schools. While the high number of female candidates is a positive trend, the statistics also reveal a concerning issue. Twenty-one of the registered girls are heavily pregnant, and an additional 17 are already lactating mothers. The presence of pregnant and lactating mothers among the candidates has raised concerns about the challenges facing adolescent girls in accessing uninterrupted education. While officials have not disclosed specific support mechanisms for these girls, it is expected that school heads and invigilators will ensure a conducive and non-discriminatory environment for all candidates during the exams. The BECE is a critical milestone for final-year Junior High School students in Ghana, determining their placement into Senior High Schools and other second-cycle institutions. Regional education authorities have urged candidates to approach the exams with confidence and discipline. Parents and guardians have also been encouraged to provide necessary emotional and logistical support for their wards throughout the examination period. With proper preparation and support, candidates can navigate the exams successfully and secure a bright future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen