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Three BECE Candidates in Central Gonja Allegedly Forced Into Marriage, Missing Exams
Three female candidates registered for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region have reportedly been forced into marriage, preventing them from participating in the ongoing national exams.
The incident was disclosed by District Chief Executive, Mahama Fuseini, during a monitoring exercise at Yapei. He described the situation as a significant setback to ongoing efforts to promote girl-child education within the district.
According to the DCE, the girls—who were expected to sit for their final basic education exams—were withdrawn from school and compelled into early marriages, an act he strongly condemned.
“This is a serious setback to girl-child education,” he stated, expressing concern over the continued prevalence of child marriage in some communities despite increased awareness campaigns and policy interventions.
He indicated that the district assembly, in collaboration with education authorities and security agencies, has initiated efforts to locate the girls, rescue them, and facilitate their possible return to school.
The BECE, administered by the West African Examinations Council, serves as a key academic milestone for junior high school students seeking placement into senior high schools across Ghana.
Child marriage remains a persistent challenge in parts of the country, particularly in rural and northern communities, where socio-cultural and economic factors continue to hinder girls’ education.
Education stakeholders warn that such practices not only violate the rights of children but also undermine national efforts to achieve gender equality and expand access to education.
Authorities are expected to intensify enforcement of child protection laws and deepen community engagement to curb early and forced marriages.
Meanwhile, stakeholders are calling for stronger collaboration among traditional leaders, security agencies, and community members to safeguard the rights and future of vulnerable children.
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