E/R records 82 pregnant candidates, 40 lactating mothers in 2026 BECE

The Eastern Region recorded 82 pregnant candidates in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). Education authorities say this "continues to highlight the growing challenge of teenage pregnancy among school-going girls, despite ongoing interventions." 40 lactating mothers also sat for the 2026 examination.

Dr. Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusua, the Eastern Regional Director of Education, described the situation as worrying, but acknowledged that the reduction in pregnancy cases compared to last year indicates that ongoing awareness campaigns and interventions may be gradually yielding results. She stressed that education authorities remain committed to ensuring that no child is denied access to education because of pregnancy or motherhood. A total of 57,559 candidates registered for the examination across the region, while 344 candidates were absent during the exams.

Some reported incidents of examination malpractice are currently under investigation by the police and the West African Examinations Council. Some invigilators are also alleged to have been involved in examination malpractices, with investigations ongoing to establish the facts. A few candidates are expected to write the Arabic paper on Monday, to officially conclude the examination exercise.