NADeF supports 2,081 BECE candidates in Ahafo
THE Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF) has donated GH¢140,362 to support the organisation of mock examinations for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in 71 junior high schools in the Asutifi North District and Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region.
Forty-six of the beneficiary schools are in the Asutifi North District, while the remaining schools are in the Tano North Municipality. In all, 2,081 BECE candidates in the two districts are expected to benefit from the programme this year.
Speaking to journalists after visiting candidates writing the mock examinations last Friday, the Executive Secretary of NADeF, Elizabeth Opoku-Darko, said the Quality Improvement in Basic Schools (QUIBS) programme was designed to improve teaching and learning outcomes, and strengthen school management and supervision at the basic level by 2030.
She said key interventions under the programme include educational enhancement clinics for BECE candidates, in-service training for teachers, provision of textbooks and teaching and learning materials, as well as the supply and maintenance of motorbikes for School Improvement Support Officers.
Mrs Opoku-Darko added that the project would also provide management grants to district and municipal offices of the Ghana Education Service (GES), organise vacation classes facilitated by NADeF scholarship beneficiaries, and offer guidance and counselling services in schools.
She said the intervention formed part of NADeF’s four-year Quality Improvement in Basic Schools (QUIBS) programme, which was being implemented in 94 basic schools comprising kindergarten, primary and junior high schools at a total cost of nearly GH¢17 million.
The QUIBS programme, a comprehensive human resource development initiative, underscores NADeF’s commitment to promoting quality education and sustainable community development.
The Tano North Municipal Director of Education, Stephen Tiah Adams, commended NADeF for supporting the preparation of candidates ahead of the upcoming BECE scheduled for May 11, 2026.
He said the mock examinations had played a significant role in improving academic performance and had also enabled the Education Directorate to adequately assess the readiness of candidates for their final examinations.
Mr Adams noted that although performance in the municipality had previously been average, it had improved considerably following NADeF’s intervention, with some learners gaining recognition through the Independence Day State Awards.
He, however, called on the government to address the shortage of teachers in rural communities, noting that many schools in the hinterland lacked adequate teaching staff, which continued to affect the quality of education delivery.
FROM DANIEL DZRISAH, SUNYANI
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