BY MERCY DARKO
The Deputy Director of Supervision and Management at the Ayawaso Central Municipal Education Directorate, Mrs Felicia Adu Mensah, has called on parents and guardians to prioritize study time for their children ahead of the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Speaking at the fourth annual SAKAL Summit organized by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (Accra New Town Congregation), Mrs Adu Mensah emphasized that with the examination set to begin next week, students are at a pivotal moment in their academic journey. She therefore urged families not to burden them but rather to provide a supportive environment, noting that ample time to study is essential for students to excel and achieve outstanding results.
More than a thousand BECE candidates from the Accra New Town, Kotobabi, and Pig Farm cluster of schools gathered for the 2026 SAKAL Summit. Held under the theme “Equipped for Greatness,” the event combined spiritual preparation with practical guidance to bolster students’ confidence ahead of their upcoming examination.
The Deputy Director at the Ayawaso Central Municipal Education Directorate, Mrs Felicia Adu Mensah, raised concerns about the domestic burden placed on students. She noted that many candidates serve as house helps or engage in petty trading after school, leaving them too exhausted to study. She appealed to parents and guardians to reduce domestic workloads and prioritize study time as the examination date nears.
She noted that for the past weeks, the students have gone through revision and written some mock exams to prepare them for the task ahead. They have also gone through past questions, and apart from that, there are other remedial lessons that are organized for them after school hours.
Mrs Adu Mensah, who expressed frustration about some students being burdened with chores, urged parents to minimize their tasks so they can commit more time to study.
“The challenge is that most of our learners here are not living with their biological parents. They are house helps, and most often their guardians do not allow them to take part in the extra classes. Some of them are also engaged in petty trading, and this makes it difficult for them to study. We are pleading with parents to at least reduce the house chores for the students until after the exams,” she noted.
Mrs Adu Mensah expressed gratitude to the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Accra New Town Congregation, for the continuous support to the candidates. She urged the students to put out their utmost best and come out with flying colours.
“We are solidly behind you. Study hard and you will pass well. Just be disciplined and focused. You are the star of your family, and you can do great things when you put your mind to it.”
The District Minister of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Accra New Town District, Rev Frank Oguase Adu, who is also the Minister-in-Charge of the Accra New Town Congregation, reminded students that success is built on a foundation of hard work, discipline, and a strong relationship with Jesus Christ.
“I encourage you to take your studies seriously and revise your notes even as you pray. We believe that you will go through successfully if you listen to the advice of your teachers. The BECE is not an end to education. It is a stepping stone to greater heights. Be confident and disciplined,” he emphasized.
The Associate Minister, Rev Ruth Adwoa Nyamekye, led the students in a time of reflection and prayer, while encouraging them not to entertain fear but continue to study hard to achieve success.
After the examination, the Mission and Evangelism Committee of the ANT Congregation will host a Post-BECE Non-Residential Empowerment Camp to equip students with productive life skills, academic and career guidance, Bible study, and prayer.
The SAKAL initiative will climax on Sunday, May 10, 2026, with a Special All-White Thanksgiving Service at ANT Junior Youth Chapel. The ANT Congregation, BECE candidates, and their families will join the Junior Youth Fellowship to thank God for divine guidance.
