2025 BECE English Essay Question Features President Mahama’s Additional Muslim Holiday Policy

President Mahama’s Additional Muslim Holiday Policy Features in 2025 BECE English Essay Question.

Accra, Ghana – In a direct reflection of current national affairs in the classroom, the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) English Language paper featured an  essay question on President John Dramani Mahama’s new policy granting an additional public holiday for Muslims.

The question appeared in the examination administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) today, June 12, 2025. It stems from a key promise made by President Mahama during the 2024 election campaign, which was implemented after he took office. His government officially declared both Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays for the observance of Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.

For the English Language paper’s composition section (Section B), candidates were instructed to write an article suitable for publication. The essay topic required them to analyze and demonstrate two effects of having an additional public holiday.

The inclusion of this question is highly relevant, providing students with a timely opportunity to engage with and express their perspectives on national policies that directly impact their education. The extra holiday, while widely welcomed, meant students stayed home from school for an additional day, prompting analysis of its effects on lesson plans, learning continuity, and other academic activities.

This examination topic underscores the connection between governance and education, tasking young learners to think critically about the real-world implications of government decisions.

BELOW IS THE QUESTION 

QUESTION 2:

The government has announced the addition of new public holidays. Write an article to be published in a national newspaper discussing two effects of public holidays on teaching and learning.

Below is the full PART A (WRITING) section, which carries 30 marks

Answer one question only from this part.

Your composition should be about 250 words long.

1. A new curriculum has been introduced for Junior High Schools, but your school offers only a limited number of subjects. Write a letter to your headteacher suggesting two new subjects that should be taught in your school. Give two reasons for your choices.

2. The government has announced the addition of new public holidays. Write an article to be published in a national newspaper discussing two effects of public holidays on teaching and learning.

3. You once doubted your abilities, but an experience changed your mindset completely. Write your story, ending with the statement, “I will never compare myself with anyone again.”