A 71-year-old father-of-four is one of the candidates writing the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) at the Ahafoman Senior High School examination centre ‘B’ at Goaso, in the Ahafo region.
The man, Kwesi Baiden, shared his inspiring story with the media, revealing that he did not have the opportunity to attend basic school and obtain a certificate due to financial difficulties during his early years.
He initially attended Mozama D/A School in the Central region but had to drop out at Junior High School (JHS) 2 due to financial constraints.
Mr. Baiden added that he intended to resume school a few years ago, but unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic thwarted his plans.
He aims to acquire vocational skills in Senior High School (SHS) and possibly continue to the tertiary level.
He is very optimistic that his talent and newly acquired knowledge will open new opportunities for him, although his age won’t allow him to acquire a corporate job after school.
Mr. Baiden’s determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that it is never too late to pursue one’s educational dreams.
Over the years, there have been such odd cases where adult candidates have been spotted partaking in the annual Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
In 2023, Ms. Rita Quayson of Apesokubi, a 43-year-old mother of five, sat for the BECE at the Worawora Senior High School Centre in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region.
She enrolled with the Apesokubi D/A Junior High School (JHS). She was determined to pass the BECE to enable her to benefit from the Free Senior High School Policy and secure a better future.
During an interview with the media, Ms. Quayson said her decision to return to the classroom was informed by frustrations after failing to secure a job as a health assistant because she could not read and write.
Also, in 2021, a 65-year-old mother of five, identified as Rita Offin participated in the BECE at the CKC centre “B” in the Obuasi East District.
Rita Offin started her basic education in class four at the Brahabebome Independence Junior High School at Obuasi.
She told Mr Kwabena Owusu-Nketia, Obuasi East District Director of Education, during a tour of the examination centre that she decided to pursue education because of the challenges she was facing in her trading business.