26 Pregnant and Nursing Candidates Sit for BECE in Krachi East
DAMBAI, Oti Region — In a powerful display of resilience, fifteen pregnant girls and eleven nursing mothers are among the candidates sitting for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Krachi East Municipality.
Despite the societal pressures and physical demands of their situations, these 26 young women have sent a clear message to their peers and the nation: motherhood does not mark the end of an educational journey.
Determination Amidst Challenges
Observers at various examination centers in the municipality noted the unique atmosphere as some candidates arrived accompanied by relatives and family members who stepped in to provide childcare while the mothers tackled their papers.
The sight of nursing mothers balancing the care of their infants with the rigors of national exams has sparked both admiration and reflection among community members. For many of these girls, returning to the classroom is a calculated choice to break the cycle of poverty and secure a better future for themselves and their children.
Safe Spaces for Candidates
Education officials in the Oti Region have moved to reassure the public that the welfare of these vulnerable candidates is a priority. Special arrangements have been implemented across centers in Krachi East to ensure that pregnant candidates and nursing mothers remain safe, comfortable, and emotionally supported throughout the week-long exercise.
“We have sensitized supervisors and invigilators to handle these candidates with the necessary empathy and care,” an official stated. “Our goal is to ensure that no girl is intimidated or disadvantaged because of her physical condition.”
A Call for Stronger Support Systems
While the determination of these 26 girls is being celebrated as an inspiration, the development has simultaneously reignited concerns regarding the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the region.
Social workers and educational advocates are calling for:
- Enhanced Sexual Health Education: To address the root causes of early pregnancy.
- Robust Re-entry Policies: Ensuring that more girls feel empowered to return to school post-pregnancy without fear of stigma.
- Community Support: Encouraging families to remain the backbone of these young mothers as they pursue their academic goals.
The Krachi East example serves as a poignant reminder that with the right support and individual grit, the “Classroom to CEO” journey is still possible for every Ghanaian girl, regardless of her past or current circumstances.
