As students get ready to write the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), on Monday the 4th of May, candidates who will be writing the examination in the Volta Region have been encouraged to study diligently and excel in their final examinations to make the region proud.
The call was made by the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu and the Volta Regional Director of Education, Mrs Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe during the Achievers Network Leavers Summit, an event recently organised by Achievers Network, at Mawuli School Hall for students from different schools in Ho who are about to write the examination.
Addressing the candidates, Hon. James Gunu, revealed that the government is making significant investments in educational infrastructure across the region to create a conducive learning environment for students and staff of various schools. He emphasised that while the government, parents, and teachers are all investing in the future of students, it is equally important for learners to invest in themselves through hard work and discipline.
“The government is investing in where you are going from here, and even where you are coming from,” he stated. “A lot of investment has been made in the educational sector by providing infrastructure to build basic and secondary schools across the length and breadth of this region.”
He disclosed that within a year, the government is constructing a total of 127 Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) in the Volta region including 24 dining halls and 40 dormitory blocks in various senior high and technical schools, including Mawuli School, Afadzato South SHTS, Sogakope SHS, Comboni Technical Institute, St. Catherine SHS, Amfoega SHS, and Vakpo SHS among others.
In addition, Hon. Gunu announced that 6 three-unit and 15 six-unit classroom blocks, 12 twelve-unit classroom blocks, and 13 eighteen-unit classroom blocks are under construction. He further indicated that 12 administration blocks are being built to address the lack of such facilities in some schools.
“Can you believe that some senior high and technical schools still do not have administration blocks? We are building 12 of them across the region,” he noted.
The Minister also highlighted the construction of 59 staff bungalows, 8 headmasters’ residences, four science laboratories, four ICT blocks, and 34 toilet facilities as part of efforts among others to improve teaching and learning conditions.
He therefore cautioned students against examination malpractice, popularly known as “apor,” urging them to rely on their abilities and preparation. “Never believe that ‘apor’ is the only thing that can take you to where you want to go. Have self-confidence, believe in your dreams, and take your studies seriously,” he advised.
Hon. Gunu also drew attention to the impact of poor road infrastructure on education, noting that some students had previously been involved in accidents. He said the government’s ongoing “Big Push” initiative aims to address major road challenges in the region to make it safer and easier for students to travel to and from their schools.
“If the government is doing this, your teachers are also doing their best to mould you, and your parents are contributing. What are you investing as a student? What is required of you is to learn,” he stressed.
He encouraged students to take advantage of the educational opportunities available to them, warning against laziness. Reflecting on his personal experience, he recounted how he wished he had learned French during his school days, only to realise its importance later when he served as a District Chief Executive in a border district to Togo, which is a French-speaking neighbouring country to the Volta Region.
“So when you have the opportunity now, make good use of it because you don’t know tomorrow,” he said.
The Minister also cautioned students to celebrate responsibly after their examinations, warning against substance abuse and other negative influences. “The devil is out there looking for young people to destroy. Celebrate in moderation. Don’t drink, don’t smoke. This is just the beginning of your journey,” he advised.
He further highlighted government’s National Apprenticeship Programme, which provides free training and stipends for students interested in vocational and technical careers. According to him, the initiative is designed to support those who may not pursue the traditional academic path but still aspire to build successful careers.
“It’s not everybody who is good at grammar. Some are good with their hands. The government will support you to learn a trade for free, provide stipends, and even equip you with tools to start your own business,” he explained.
In an interview, the Acting Volta Regional Director of Education, Mrs Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe, emphasised the need for students to remain focused and disciplined. She described the Volta Region as a hub of education and urged learners to uphold its legacy.
“The Volta Region is a place where education is what we cling to for survival. Our forefathers used education to develop this region, and our children must do the same,” she said.
She expressed concern about declining academic performance in recent years, attributing it to indiscipline and negative attitudes among some students. “In the past, Volta used to be the best when it came to education, but of late, attitudinal issues are creeping in. We are revisiting these challenges to ensure we reclaim our position,” she noted.
Mrs Adzroe encouraged students to avoid distractions, particularly excessive phone use and misconduct, and to prepare adequately for their examinations without resorting to malpractice. “With a little effort, you can make it. The region needs you, and one day you will take over from us,” she added.
The Executive Director of Achievers Network, Demas Abugri, explained that the Leavers Summit was initiated to address gaps in student orientation and preparedness for life after Junior High School.
“We realised that many young people go through the system without understanding it, and they end up being disappointed. This summit is designed to guide them in career choices, school selection, examination ethics, personal development, discipline, and the God factor,” he said.
Sharing a deeply personal experience, Demas recounted how he was exposed to negative peer influence during his time in Senior High School, which led him into unhealthy habits.
“I remember the first time they handed over a weed to me to smoke. Initially, I didn’t take it, but I was excited because I felt I belonged,” he said. “Later, even when I tried to resist, I ended up taking it mixed with shitor.”
He explained that this phase affected his academic life, as he stopped attending classes and drifted into a reckless lifestyle. However, a turning point came when he encountered a friend who helped redirect his path.
“I realised I would be writing WASSCE and had to pass. A friend came into my life, and we started studying and praying together. That moment changed everything,” he recounted.
According to him, a simple decision to pray even though what he wanted to go and get was food led to his transformation.
“I didn’t know that the prayer I prayed that day would lead to my transformation. From that day, I lost the desire to move with the bad company I used to keep,” he added.
Demas emphasised that his story underscores the importance of intentional living, mentorship, and positive associations. “Be intentional about your life. Seek mentorship and surround yourself with people who will help you grow,” he advised the students.
He added that the vision to start a youth-led organisation committed to shaping the mindset, identity, and culture of young people was born through that experience.
He also expressed appreciation to the Regional Minister, the Acting Regional Director of Education, and other stakeholders for supporting the programme, noting that it is the first of its kind organised by the network in the Volta Region.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Anthony Tey, Assistant Municipal Guidance and Counselling Coordinator, highlighted the importance of career guidance and informed school selection. He advised students to understand their strengths and interests when choosing programmes and subjects at the senior high school level.
“It is about your professional journey. When you make the right decisions, it will help you in the future,” he said, adding that the current education system allows flexibility for students to explore multiple subject areas and adjust their career paths based on performance.
The Achievers Network Leavers Summit brought together students, educators, and stakeholders to equip BECE candidates with the knowledge, discipline, and motivation needed to succeed, as the Volta Region seeks to reclaim its status as a leading centre of academic excellence in Ghana.
Acting Volta Regional Director of Education, Mrs Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe (3rd on the right), followed by the Volta Regional Minister, Hon James Gunu , the Executive Director of Achievers Network, Demas Abugri (5th on the right) and other dignitaries in a photograph with some participants of the Achievers Network Leavers Summit.
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