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GES Assures Support for Bawku Final-Year Students Amid Conflict

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GES official addressing support measures for Bawku students ahead of WASSCE

As tensions continue in the Bawku area, the Ghana Education Service (GES) has stepped forward with a strong assurance: no final-year student will be left behind in the upcoming West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

According to GES Public Relations Officer Daniel Fenyi, the Service is committed to safeguarding both the lives and academic futures of students affected by the conflict.

In a bid to protect students during the recent violent outbreaks in Bawku and its surroundings, GES swiftly evacuated learners from the conflict zones, including Nalerigu. Mr. Fenyi explained that when the situation escalated and lives were lost, ensuring student safety became the foremost concern. “Students must be alive before we even consider the WASSCE exams,” he stressed.

He noted that although the circumstances remain extremely difficult, efforts are being made to ensure every affected candidate sits for the WASSCE. “There will be no disadvantage to them. They will not be denied the opportunity to take the examination,” Mr. Fenyi affirmed. He added that students would be given every form of necessary support, including logistical help and emotional counselling, to help them prepare adequately.

With the WASSCE practicals scheduled to begin within a week, discussions are ongoing between GES and major stakeholders to map out feasible options for these students. Mr. Fenyi disclosed that a final plan is expected by the end of the week, depending on assessments of the situation on the ground. “We are hopeful that within this week, we will know exactly what can be done to help our students write the exams,” he said.

The impact of the violence extends beyond logistics to emotional well-being. Mr. Fenyi revealed that some students are grappling with trauma after witnessing brutal scenes, including the deaths of peers they started Form One with.

To address this, GES is strengthening psychological support across affected schools. “We are strengthening counselling services for both students and teachers to help them gain mental and emotional stability as they prepare for the exams,” he noted.

Furthermore, GES is collaborating with the Ministry of Education, the Regional and District Directorates of Education, and local security agencies to evaluate the safety of existing campuses. Based on this, decisions will be made about whether students can return to their schools or be relocated to more secure centers. “We want to ensure that by the end of this week, we can determine if the school campuses are safe enough,” Mr. Fenyi said.

While the focus is currently on final-year students due to the immediacy of the WASSCE, Mr. Fenyi concluded that the Service is also exploring ways to support other students who have been displaced or affected by the ongoing crisis.

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