Education specialist and former Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Charles Aheto-Tsegah, has expressed confidence in the government’s ability to ensure the safety of students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in conflict-affected areas.
Speaking on ABC News GH’s Midday News, he said, “We trust that government will provide the needed security especially for the children who will be writing the WASSCE,” referencing ongoing unrest in Bawku which has led to the closure of all basic and second-cycle schools in the area.
Mr. Aheto-Tsegah suggested two clear pathways to protect the candidates: either relocating them to safer areas or ensuring adequate security at their existing examination centres.
“We trust government to either move the students outside to a safe environment or provide security for the WASSCE to be written at their centres,” he stated.
He also emphasized the psychological readiness of students, calling for broader stakeholder involvement.
“There’s a need of a psychosocial [intervention]… not only by government but district and all stakeholders to ensure all things are in place to prepare them,” he said.
Turning attention to basic school children, many of whom are now home due to the closure, he urged that their well-being also be prioritized.
“Children need their holidays,” he remarked, calling on the public to allow the government time to address the situation while children enjoy their break.
He sympathized with parents, encouraging open communication with schools to help secure their wards and maintain confidence during the uncertain period.
