The People's National Party (PNP) has extended its best wishes to this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, expressing confidence in their hard work and dedication.

“The People's National Party (PNP) wishes them the very best of luck. We believe in your hard work and dedication, and we are confident that you will excel,” the party said in a statement.

The PNP also voiced its concern over the pervasive issue of examination malpractices during these critical tests.

“It is alarming that our children, the future leaders of our nation, are being exposed to such unethical practices at such a young age. These malpractices not only undermine the integrity of our education system but also set a dangerous precedent that can lead to future corruption,” the party lamented.

The party urged anti-corruption advocates to extend their vigilance to examination centres during exam periods, emphasising the long-term impact of early ethical education.

“The roots of corruption often begin in these formative years, and by addressing examination malpractices now, we can help cultivate a generation that values honesty, integrity, and hard work.”

The PNP called on the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry of Interior, the media, and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to take immediate and decisive action to protect students from corrupt influences.

It stressed the importance of creating a safe and fair environment for young learners, where merit and effort are rewarded.

 “It is imperative that we create a safe and fair environment for our young learners, where merit and effort are duly rewarded.”

Outlining its plans if elected in the upcoming December polls, the PNP pledged to end examination malpractices through stringent oversight measures, including the use of surveillance technologies like CCTV cameras in all examination centres.

“A PNP government will take decisive action to end examination malpractices by implementing stringent oversight measures, including utilising surveillance technologies in all examination centres (CCTV Cameras). We will collaborate closely with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to revise examination protocols, ensuring tighter security and greater transparency.”

Furthermore, the PNP promised to promote ethical education programs that emphasise integrity from the primary to the tertiary level.

“By fostering strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies and the media, we will rigorously enforce anti-cheating laws and launch public awareness campaigns to highlight the detrimental effects of examination malpractices on our society’s future.”

Over 500,000 candidates are writing this year’s BECE which starts today, Monday, 8 July 2024, at 2,123 designated centres across the country.

The exams will end on Monday, July 15, 2024.