The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has called on candidates writing the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to shun examination malpractices, particularly leaked questions popularly known as “apor.”
His remarks came during a working visit to six BECE centres in the Accra Metropolis on Wednesday, June 11, where he sought to encourage students and reaffirm the Assembly’s support as they transition to senior high school.
The centres visited included Rev. Thomas Clegg Basic School, Kaneshie Kingsway Cluster of Schools, Ministry of Health Basic School, St. Mary’s R/C Basic School, John Wesley Methodist School, and Bishop Mixed School.
At each centre, Mayor Allotey urged students to rely on their preparation and the grace of God, instead of shortcuts. “I advised the students not to focus on ‘apor.’ It will only mislead them. The only way to succeed is through hard work and faith in God,” he stated during a media interaction.
In addition to his motivational tour, the Mayor made several commitments. At Kaneshie Kingsway Cluster of Schools, he promised to rehabilitate a local park if the students excel in their exams.
At Bishop Mixed School, he announced a scholarship package for every candidate who passes the BECE. At each stop, he reiterated the importance of honesty and diligence in academic pursuits. “With God and preparation, success is guaranteed,” he encouraged.
Metro Director of Education, Mrs. Justine Ivy Apawu, who accompanied the Mayor, disclosed that a total of 5,784 candidates, 2,363 boys and 3,421 girls, were sitting for the exams within the Accra Metropolitan area.
She emphasized the steps taken by WAEC to curb cheating, including varied question formats across centres and classrooms. Nationwide, 603,328 students are participating in the 2025 BECE, a 5.99% increase from the 2024 figure of 569,236.
Candidates are writing two papers daily, covering subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and more. This year’s cohort is the first to benefit from the Free SHS policy under the new administration.
