Parents and guardians of Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates must actively participate in the Senior High School (SHS) placement and school selection process. David Oppong, the Kumasi Metro Director of Education, made this urgent call. He noted that many parents often leave this crucial decision entirely to teachers and the students themselves.
This lack of parental engagement frequently leads to frustration and confusion. Students are sometimes placed in schools that parents do not know or did not expect. Mr. Oppong stressed that parental involvement is vital. It ensures students are placed in schools that match their academic performance and family expectations.
This directive comes as the Ghana Education Service (GES) introduces a significant change to the 2026 school placement process. Unlike previous years, candidates will now select their preferred schools after their BECE results are released. This new system allows students to assess their performance before making choices, a move Mr. Oppong described as positive.
Mr. Oppong made these remarks at the 20th Anniversary and 9th Graduation Ceremony of Nightingale Educational Complex in Kumasi. He observed that parents' non-involvement often causes misunderstandings later. This happens when parents discover the school their child has been placed in without their input.
The revised 2026 placement process will allow each candidate to choose eight schools. This expanded choice gives students more options. It also places a greater responsibility on parents to guide these selections effectively.
Mr. Oppong also encouraged parents and students to consider Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programmes. He advised against limiting choices solely to traditional senior high schools. This broadens opportunities for students in various fields.
The Director commended Nightingale Educational Complex for its two decades of commitment to quality education. He praised the school for producing successful graduates. He charged the graduating Junior High School class to maintain discipline and take their SHS education seriously.
Shadrack Nkrumah, Proprietor of Nightingale Educational Complex, expressed gratitude to parents, staff, and stakeholders. He reaffirmed the school's dedication to high academic and moral standards. The school achieved a 100% pass rate in the 2026 BECE, with most candidates scoring single digits.
Philemon Adu Brempong, Ashanti Regional First Vice Chairman of the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association, highlighted the school's origins. It was established to support health workers, especially breastfeeding mothers at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. He called on the government to replicate this model by establishing crèches in all major health facilities, including those under Agenda 111. This would reduce absenteeism and improve productivity among health workers.