Asuogyaman MP feeds BECE candidates as GES targets 68% pass rate

The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman and Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko has revived his free lunch initiative for candidates sitting for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Asuogyaman District.

The move coincides with the Ghana Education Service’s (GES) regional goal of attaining a 68% pass rate in the district where a total of 1,943 candidates from both public and private schools are taking part in the exams.

The MP’s feeding initiative, which aims to ensure that no student writes the exams on an empty stomach was introduced several years ago, but was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the government’s temporary assumption of feeding responsibilities.

On the first day of the exams, candidates across various centers were served jollof rice with chicken, a gesture many described as both thoughtful and motivating and will continue for the next five days.

“Every year, there are students who come to the examination hall without food. I decided that if I have the opportunity, I would ensure that none of you go hungry during this important moment,” Ampem Nyarko said during a visit to one of the centres.

In addition to the feeding programme, the MP made a personal pledge to purchase all prospectus items required for senior high school admission for any candidate who obtains a single-digit aggregate in the exams.

“Challenge yourselves. If you get a single-digit aggregate, report to the District Education Office with your placement letter.

“We’ll hold a small ceremony, and I will personally present your full prospectus package to your family,” he promised, urging the candidates to uphold honesty and avoid any form of examination malpractice.

Meanwhile, the Asuogyaman District Education Directorate is confident of improved performance this year.

The District Director of Education, Miss Augustina Adwoa Owusu, disclosed that the directorate was aiming for a minimum 68% pass rate, which would be an improvement in last year’s results.

“We believe in the level of preparation our candidates have undergone. With the support of parents, teachers, and stakeholders like our MP, we are optimistic that this year’s results will be much better,” she stated.

Some students, speaking with journalists after the MP’s visit, expressed gratitude for the meal support and motivational package. They were also hopeful of excelling in the exams and qualifying for their preferred senior high schools.

The feeding programme and academic incentive have been widely praised by parents and school officials, who see it as a practical demonstration of the MP’s commitment to education and youth development in the constituency.

The post Asuogyaman MP feeds BECE candidates as GES targets 68% pass rate appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

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