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Bee Attack Disrupts BECE at Wa School for the Deaf

Story Highlights
  • Wild bee attack disrupts BECE at Wa School for the Deaf
  • Two students hospitalized; girl misses Career Technology paper
  • Bee swarm caused by NEDCo pruning tree near exam centre

On Thursday, a swarm of wild bees disrupted the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) at the Wa School for the Deaf Centre, injuring two candidates and causing a temporary halt to the exams.

The injured students—a boy and a girl—were taken to the Wa Municipal Hospital for medical attention. The male candidate received treatment and was discharged in time to sit for the second paper, Career Technology. However, the female candidate had to remain at the hospital and missed the exam.

The incident occurred shortly after the English Language paper. According to reports, staff from the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) had been trimming a tree near the exam centre, inadvertently disturbing a beehive and provoking the swarm.

Mr. Donald Tuor, Upper West Regional Controller of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), confirmed the incident in an interview. He stated that WAEC is exploring the possibility of granting clemency to the female candidate who missed the exam due to circumstances beyond her control.

“We are considering a clemency appeal on her behalf. Although the subject is compulsory, it’s not a core subject, so she may still receive a grade,” Mr. Tuor explained.

He also revealed that WAEC is investigating several cases of examination malpractice across the region. One invigilator in the Wa Municipality has already been dismissed, and another is currently at large.

“All reported incidents will be thoroughly examined, and those found guilty will face appropriate disciplinary actions,” Mr. Tuor stated. He added that any teachers implicated in malpractice will be reported to the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service for further action.

This year, 14,733 candidates—comprising 7,928 females and 6,805 males from 620 schools, along with 169 private candidates—registered for the BECE in the Upper West Region. The exams are being held across 51 centres, supported by nine examination depots.

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