Madam Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regional Minister, on Monday visited some of examination centres in Gomoa East, West and Mfantseman West Districts, and Cape Coast Metropolis to encourage candidates writing this year's Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
She urged them to endeavour to come out with 'flying colours' and warned them against engaging in examination malpractices that could jeopardise their future.
Madam Benyiwa-Doe expressed concern about the dismal performance of some schools in the Region in the BECE that prevented many students from gaining admission into reputable Senior High Schools in the Region.
She urged them to justify the investment government and their parents and guardians had made in their education by learning hard to attain higher laurels as future leaders to help in nation building.
At Pomadze-Asebu Junior High School in Gomoa East District, 213 candidates from five schools were expected to write the examination but a candidate was absent
At Gomoa West District which has 13 examination centres with expected 4,645 candidates, six out of the 606 candidates failed to turn up for the examination at Apam Senior High, and at Gomoa Secondary /Technical School examination centre three out of the 369 candidates were absent with no reasons given.
Mfantseman West District with 10 examination centres has 4,039 candidates from 108 schools and at Mfantsiman Girl's examination centre, all 486 candidates were present.
In Cape Coast, Madam Benyiwa-Doe visited St Augustine's examination centre and at Aggrey Memorial Zion School examination centre, all candidates from 18 schools were present.
She was accompanied by Madam Rosemond Blay, Central Regional Director of Education and Mr Kobina Essandoh, Central Regional Co-ordinating Director.