There has been a general increase in the number of candidates sitting this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE).
From 509,824 in 2018, 517,332 are sitting the exams across the country.
The exams started on Monday, June 10 with English Language and Religious and Moral Education.
They are scheduled to end on Friday, June 14.
According to statistics made available by the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), more girls have registered for the exams.
From 246,529 in 2018, 253,716 have been registered for 2019, representing a 2.91 per cent increase.
Ashanti Region is presenting the highest number of girls – and boys – for the exams. A total of 51,516 girls have been registered to sit the exams.
Despite the marginal increase in the female candidates, male candidates are more in general.
A total of 263,616 male candidates have registered for the 2019 BECE.
This is 321 more than the number that sat last year’s edition.
Regional breakdown
Meanwhile, the Upper West Region is presenting the smallest number of female candidates.
Six thousand three hundred and eighty-four girls have been registered while 6,725 boys from the Region will also write the exams.
Aside Ashanti Region’s total of 104,461, Greater Accra Region is the second highest with a total of 90,584 candidates.
Bawumia’s message
In relation to the exams, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has wished all the candidates well.
He said the BECE is the beginning of a journey to be beneficiaries of government’s flagship policy, the Free Senior High School Policy.
I wish all candidates writing the 2019 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) the best of luck.
The academic journey to enjoy the flagship free SHS programme starts today. Success and victory are yours for the taking if you work hard enough.
May God be with you all.
— Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (@MBawumia) June 10, 2019
Source: 3news.com|Ghana