The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana’s Upper East Region has highlighted a growing concern in adolescent welfare, as 21 pregnant girls and 17 nursing mothers are among the 19,523 candidates taking part in the exams.
According to Nathaniel N-yaaba, the Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Education Service (GES), these figures represent only visibly confirmed cases, meaning the actual number of expectant or nursing candidates could be higher.
Of the total candidates, 10,681 are female and 8,842 are male. The exams are being conducted at 90 designated centres across the region. Mr. N-yaaba confirmed that the GES is fully prepared to ensure a smooth and dignified examination process for all students, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
He assured the public that every candidate will be treated with respect and provided the necessary support to complete their exams successfully. The GES has also issued warnings against examination malpractice and encouraged parents to provide moral support without crowding the exam centres.
The presence of pregnant and nursing candidates has sparked wider conversations about the challenges facing adolescent girls in the region. While the high participation of girls in this year’s BECE is commendable, education stakeholders have stressed the urgent need for proactive measures to reduce early pregnancies and support girl-child education.
Efforts are now being called for to address the root causes of teenage pregnancy and motherhood in the Upper East Region to ensure that all girls can complete their education without such life-altering interruptions.
