Controversial Directive on Student Searches Withdrawn for 2023 BECE Exams in Weija-Gbawe
The director of education at the Weija-Gbawe Municipality has withdrawn a controversial directive that sparked public disagreement regarding the upcoming 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). The directive, which authorized supervisors and invigilators to conduct thorough searches, including private parts, on candidates before entering the examination hall, has been deemed against human rights.
In a statement issued by the director, it was highlighted that the measures put in place were intended to ensure a free, fair, and transparent conduct of the BECE exams. However, the directive in question received significant backlash from the public, prompting the leadership of the Ghana Education Service to intervene and order its withdrawal.
The directive, which was the fourth out of eleven directives provided to candidates, raised concerns about the invasion of privacy and the potential violation of human rights. The Ghana Education Service, recognizing the importance of upholding these rights, swiftly responded to the public disagreement and instructed the director to retract the directive.
The decision to withdraw the controversial directive demonstrates the commitment of the Ghana Education Service to protect the rights and dignity of students during the examination process. The leadership acknowledges that thorough security measures are necessary to prevent malpractice, but they must be implemented in a manner that respects the fundamental rights of individuals.
Moving forward, the Weija-Gbawe Municipality will work closely with the Ghana Education Service to develop alternative measures that strike a balance between maintaining exam integrity and safeguarding the rights of students. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that the 2023 BECE exams are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, without compromising the dignity of candidates.
The Ghana Education Service encourages all headteachers of public and private schools, proprietors, and directors of schools in the Weija-Gbawe Municipality to take note of the withdrawal of the controversial directive. It is essential for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and actively participate in creating an examination environment that upholds both integrity and human rights.Source:Frank Nii Dua
