The GES PRO said some of the girls are pregnant, while others are lactating mothers | File Photo
A total of 19,523 candidates are currently writing the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across the Upper East Region, with a concerning number of them being pregnant girls and lactating mothers.
According to the Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Nathaniel Nyaaba, 21 pregnant girls and 17 lactating mothers are among those sitting for the exams.
He noted that these figures represent only visibly identifiable cases, suggesting that the actual numbers could be higher.
Out of the total candidates, 8,842 are males while 10,681 are females.
The exams are being conducted at 90 designated centres throughout the region.
According to an adomonline.com report on June 11, 2025, Nyaaba assured the public that the GES has put in place the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth and incident-free examination.
He emphasised that all candidates, including pregnant and nursing mothers, are being supported to participate in the exams under dignified conditions.
“The GES is committed to ensuring that no candidate is left behind. We have taken measures to support every candidate, regardless of their situation,” Nyaaba stated.
He also issued a reminder to candidates to avoid examination malpractice and urged parents and guardians to provide the necessary support at home, while refraining from gathering around examination centres, which can cause unnecessary distractions.
The participation of pregnant girls and young mothers in the 2025 BECE has sparked broader concerns about adolescent welfare and the effectiveness of sexual and reproductive health education in the region.
While stakeholders have welcomed the high female turnout as a positive step toward gender parity in education, they are calling for urgent interventions to address the underlying causes of teenage pregnancy and early motherhood.
MRA/AE
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