The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Wa, Ghana, encountered an unforeseen disruption when a swarm of wild bees attacked candidates at the School for the Deaf examination centre. The incident occurred on Thursday, immediately following the first paper, English Language. Two candidates, one male and one female, bore the brunt of the attack, sustaining injuries that necessitated their immediate transfer to the Wa Municipal Hospital. While the male candidate received prompt treatment and was discharged in time to sit for the subsequent Career Technology paper, the female candidate’s injuries required more extensive medical attention, preventing her from taking the exam. This unfortunate circumstance has prompted the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to consider pursuing a clemency case on her behalf.
Mr. Donald Tuor, the Upper West Regional Controller of WAEC, disclosed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), explaining that the bee attack was an unintended consequence of tree pruning activities carried out by staff of the Northern Electricity Company (NEDCo) near the examination centre. The pruning disturbed a beehive located within the tree, leading to the aggressive swarm. Mr. Tuor clarified that the Career Technology paper, while compulsory, is not a core subject, meaning the female candidate’s inability to sit for it would not preclude her from receiving an overall grade. WAEC’s consideration of a clemency case underscores their recognition that the candidate’s absence was due to circumstances entirely beyond her control.
Beyond the bee attack, Mr. Tuor also addressed the ongoing issue of examination malpractice within the region. He confirmed that WAEC was actively investigating reported cases of malpractice at various centres. Already, one invigilator in the Wa Municipality has been dismissed from their duties, while another remains at large. These actions demonstrate WAEC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the examination process and ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. Mr. Tuor issued a stern warning to teachers involved in facilitating or perpetrating examination malpractice, stating that any apprehended individuals would be reported to the Director General of the Ghana Education Service for appropriate disciplinary action.
This year’s BECE in the Upper West Region saw a total of 14,733 candidates registered to participate, encompassing 7,928 females and 6,805 males. These candidates represent 620 schools, along with 169 private candidates. The examination was administered across 51 centres strategically located throughout the region, supported by nine examination depots. The incident with the bee attack, though unfortunate, highlights the unexpected challenges that can arise during large-scale examinations.
The bee attack incident serves as a reminder of the importance of carefully considering the potential impact of external activities on examination procedures. While the pruning of trees near the examination centre might have seemed routine, the unforeseen consequence of disturbing a beehive created a significant disruption for the affected candidates. This underscores the need for proactive risk assessment and communication between various stakeholders involved in the examination process, including examination bodies, local authorities, and utility companies. Had the potential risk of disturbing a beehive been identified beforehand, preventative measures could have been implemented to avoid the incident altogether.
The swift response of WAEC in considering a clemency case for the affected female candidate demonstrates a commendable commitment to fairness and student well-being. Recognizing that her inability to write the Career Technology paper was a direct result of the bee attack, WAEC’s actions aim to ensure that she is not unfairly disadvantaged. This compassionate approach acknowledges that unforeseen circumstances can impact candidates’ ability to participate fully in examinations, and that flexibility and understanding are essential in such situations. Furthermore, WAEC’s active pursuit of individuals involved in examination malpractice reinforces their dedication to upholding the integrity of the BECE and ensuring a fair and credible assessment process for all candidates.
