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BECE: 45 candidates absent themselves from the exam in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis.
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They’re writing for their future. But in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, too many desks are empty. Days into the BECE, dozens of candidates are absent.
It’s been a week of intense focus across the Western Region as 45,116 candidates take on the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). While the atmosphere at most centers remains calm and orderly, a shadow has been cast by the empty desks seen in several examination halls.
In Sekondi-Takoradi, 6,209 candidates were expected to take part in the ongoing exams. However, data released by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Education Directorate reveals that a total of 45 candidates have been recorded as absent since the start of the papers—27 male and 18 female.
Investigations into why these students failed to show up have uncovered a variety of reasons.
According to school authorities, some candidates have relocated with their families, while others are reported to have traveled out of the jurisdiction after the registration period. For others, the reasons for their absence remain unknown.
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Tragically, among the female absentees, one candidate was unable to sit for the exams due to pregnancy.
During a monitoring tour of the centers, the Western Regional Minister, Hon. Joseph Nelson, visited several schools to wish candidates well and assess the conduct of the exercise.
Addressing the students shortly before their papers, the minister emphasized the importance of hard work over shortcuts.
He urged the candidates to avoid examination malpractice and encouraged them to remain disciplined and law-abiding even after the exams are over.
"Your hard work over the last three years is what will carry you through. Stay away from 'apor' and focus on what you have learned. We expect the best from you, not just in your grades but also in your character as you transition to the next level of your education." The minister mentioned.
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