Story: Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has requested the National Security to investigate into the leakage of some papers in the ongoing 2013 May/June West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
On Monday, April 29, WAEC announced the cancellation of the Government One and Two papers which they believed had been compromised.
The Head of Test Administration at WAEC, Mr Felix Akuffo-Badoo, in an interview told the Junior Graphic that the council was patiently waiting for the security agency to complete their investigations to enable his outfit know exactly what brought about the leakage.
"We took extra precaution to ensure that the ongoing WASSCE ends without incidents in the various senior high schools (SHSs) but what happened during the Government paper is unfortunate".
Asked whether the investigations would be conducted into other subject areas as well, he replied in the negative. “It will be based on just the Government papers during which some candidates were found with materials which suggested that the two papers had been compromised".
"So far we are 100 per cent sure that the rest of the papers which had been written did not leak in anyway," he added.
He urged candidates not to give up but rather prepare for the papers which would be re-administered from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, May 17, 2013.
When the Junior Graphic visited Accra High, Accra Academy, West Africa Senior High, Presbyterian Boys, Legon; Labone SHS, Presbyterian SHS, Osu; Accra Girls, St John's Grammar and St Thomas Aquinas, to mention a few schools, on Tuesday morning, there was either an armed policeman or woman at post, to ensure that security was not compromised.
The Headmaster of Ngleshi Amanfrom SHS, Mr Edmund Botchway, in an interview, said it was rather unfortunate that there was a leakage of questions during the Government papers, despite the tight security in almost all the schools.
"Students are simply impossible! in this day of social media and other platforms they go to all lengths to get question papers, despite the pieces of advice and tuition we suffer to give them".
Some of the affected candidates who spoke with the Junior Graphic, lamented that they studied very hard to write the Government papers without getting wind of any questions. Others also confirmed that they received some of the questions from their friends through the social media like WhatsApp and Facebook.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
WASSCE ends
The 2013 West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE) came to an end last Friday, with candidates expressing mixed feelings. While some candidates wrote all their papers uninterrupted, those studying Government had their papers cancelled and had to rewrite it.
Besides this, WASSCE officially brought the four-year Senior High School (SHS) programme to an end. Some of the students who wrote the Government exam claimed the cancelled papers were less difficult than the second one they wrote. However, others said it was 'cool chop'.
At exactly 9:00 am on Friday, those rewriting Government Paper One and Two started the examination and ended at 12.45 p.m., giving way to those doing Home Economics to bring the curtain of this year's examination down at 5:00 p.m. , amidst screaming, dancing and pouring of water and powder on each other, signifying the end of their secondary education.
When the Junior Graphic went round some of the senior high schools (SHS), the compounds were very quiet as continuing students were on vacation, leaving just a handful of candidates who were seen packing their belongings.
At the Presbyterian Boys' SHS, Legon, some of the students who had completed their papers earlier in the week were seen in queues returning school books, sports kits and other property of the school.
For some students of the Accra High School and PRESEC Osu, the final day of the examination was a time for them to make merry and take memorable photographs with their mates before parting ways.
In all, a total of 409,832 candidates, the highest number so far in the history of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), from 742 public and private schools wrote the examination.
Besides this, WASSCE officially brought the four-year Senior High School (SHS) programme to an end. Some of the students who wrote the Government exam claimed the cancelled papers were less difficult than the second one they wrote. However, others said it was 'cool chop'.
At exactly 9:00 am on Friday, those rewriting Government Paper One and Two started the examination and ended at 12.45 p.m., giving way to those doing Home Economics to bring the curtain of this year's examination down at 5:00 p.m. , amidst screaming, dancing and pouring of water and powder on each other, signifying the end of their secondary education.
When the Junior Graphic went round some of the senior high schools (SHS), the compounds were very quiet as continuing students were on vacation, leaving just a handful of candidates who were seen packing their belongings.
At the Presbyterian Boys' SHS, Legon, some of the students who had completed their papers earlier in the week were seen in queues returning school books, sports kits and other property of the school.
For some students of the Accra High School and PRESEC Osu, the final day of the examination was a time for them to make merry and take memorable photographs with their mates before parting ways.
In all, a total of 409,832 candidates, the highest number so far in the history of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), from 742 public and private schools wrote the examination.
Profile — David Dontoh
Ghana's finest actor
Acting was never part of his dream. He became one by accident. Yet, he is currently one of the best actors the country has ever had, with many awards under his sleeves.
Just like every child with big dreams, young David wanted to become a medical doctor. Unfortunately his dreams were dashed when he failed to make the grades after Sixth Form to qualify for medical school.
Frustrated as he was then, David Tontoh, one of Ghana’s finest actors, decided to rewrite the exam to better his grades. It was during that time that he was contracted to do some illustrations for a book called "Agriculture in the Tropics" for one Dr Olean Hess, who was then one of the directors of the USAID. He recognised his artistic talents and commended him.
In a chat with the Junior Graphic,Mr Dontoh said because he liked drawing, painting, watching films, musical shows and writing poetry, Dr Hess’ comments gingered him to take acting seriously.
Mr Dontoh said it was just around the same time that the then Ghana Film Industry Corporation (GFIC) put up an advert for people who wanted to train in film acting.
He went for the audition and was one of the 40 successful applicants selected out of 150. That was how he got into the acting profession.
The successful applicants were then trained at the acting academy of the late George Andoh Wilson, who had trained at the London Guild Hall School of Drama and was in charge of the Osagyefo players for three years.
During the training, Mr Tondoh had the chance of taking part in a small play titled – GUS – the theatre cat written by T. S. Elliot.
The play was showcased on TV during the Mike Hagan show where Mr Wilson was being interviewed as a celebrity .He performed the lead role in GUS so well such that, Mike Hagan’s praises further convinced him that he could act well.
Today, the acting profession which he saw as a menial career when he was a student has opened doors to higher places for him across the globe.
Asked how he came by his household name "Ghanaman", he laughed heartily and said in 1982 a theatre group was formed to replace Osofo Dadzie which went off air after the unrest. The group was known as "KETEKE," a drama group which was on air for about one and a half years.
"The name was later changed to Obra and became a very popular TV programme which earned me the name Ghanaman which I have accepted affectionately", he smiled. Members of the Obra Drama group at that time were Maame Dokono, Station Master, Dr Rokoto, Esi Kom among others.
He got the chance of auditioning for a full feature film when King Ampaw of AFRO MOSES Ghana Limited shot their film, "Kukurantumi" – The Road To Accra." The film was the first Ghanaian film to be screened on TV in Europe.
It was after this film that he started working on radio programmes. On GBC Two for instance, he started as a stringer on Carl Agyeman-Bannerman’s programme, "Solid Black".
He also took part in radio theatre with presenters like Tony Annan Forson, Charlie Sam, the late James Amartey and Gertrude Opare Addo.
Looking younger than his age, Mr Dontoh who loves wearing African clothes disclosed that he would be celebrating his 60th birthday next year, in December.
He had his elementary education in Cape Coast, Winneba and Abakranpa, all in the Central Region. He then continued to Apam Secondary School from Form One to Upper Six. For the Sixth Form, he read Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Though a science student, he loved the arts subjects as well so at the O'Level he studied nine subjects. "In fact, in 1975 I was one of the best Geography students in the whole country and so had distinction. However, my biggest blow was when I was not selected at the university to read medicine. It is all good, because I don't regret being an actor. Actors just don't entertain but also heal people and impart knowledge as well," he explained.
Mr Dontoh, who loves to uphold the traditional beliefs and practices of Ghana, lamented that "children of today are not humble and ready to learn. They always want to have their way".
Sharing his childhood experiences, he said his mother was a fish monger so he also sold some of the fish to enable him to buy his textbooks for school. "My sister, I have done a lot of trading. I have sold vegetables, doughnuts, bread, fish, among others, yet I found time to study.
Along the line in his career, Mr Dontoh did Drama and Theatre Studies (From 1985 to 1988) at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon. He majored in playwriting.
He and his wife, Rebecca, are blessed with two children, Jojo and Ewurama.
David Dontoh runs his own company "Golden Kauri" and an NGO, Kaurifire Arts Foundation. He founded three theatre groups that he works with. They are KOZIKOZI Theatre Company, Edzikanfo Concert Party and David Dontoh Cultural Ensemble (DADON CULEN).
Mr Dontoh currently hosts his own television programme, Agrofie, which is aimed at projecting African values.
Acting was never part of his dream. He became one by accident. Yet, he is currently one of the best actors the country has ever had, with many awards under his sleeves.
Just like every child with big dreams, young David wanted to become a medical doctor. Unfortunately his dreams were dashed when he failed to make the grades after Sixth Form to qualify for medical school.
Frustrated as he was then, David Tontoh, one of Ghana’s finest actors, decided to rewrite the exam to better his grades. It was during that time that he was contracted to do some illustrations for a book called "Agriculture in the Tropics" for one Dr Olean Hess, who was then one of the directors of the USAID. He recognised his artistic talents and commended him.
In a chat with the Junior Graphic,Mr Dontoh said because he liked drawing, painting, watching films, musical shows and writing poetry, Dr Hess’ comments gingered him to take acting seriously.
Mr Dontoh said it was just around the same time that the then Ghana Film Industry Corporation (GFIC) put up an advert for people who wanted to train in film acting.
He went for the audition and was one of the 40 successful applicants selected out of 150. That was how he got into the acting profession.
The successful applicants were then trained at the acting academy of the late George Andoh Wilson, who had trained at the London Guild Hall School of Drama and was in charge of the Osagyefo players for three years.
During the training, Mr Tondoh had the chance of taking part in a small play titled – GUS – the theatre cat written by T. S. Elliot.
The play was showcased on TV during the Mike Hagan show where Mr Wilson was being interviewed as a celebrity .He performed the lead role in GUS so well such that, Mike Hagan’s praises further convinced him that he could act well.
Today, the acting profession which he saw as a menial career when he was a student has opened doors to higher places for him across the globe.
Asked how he came by his household name "Ghanaman", he laughed heartily and said in 1982 a theatre group was formed to replace Osofo Dadzie which went off air after the unrest. The group was known as "KETEKE," a drama group which was on air for about one and a half years.
"The name was later changed to Obra and became a very popular TV programme which earned me the name Ghanaman which I have accepted affectionately", he smiled. Members of the Obra Drama group at that time were Maame Dokono, Station Master, Dr Rokoto, Esi Kom among others.
He got the chance of auditioning for a full feature film when King Ampaw of AFRO MOSES Ghana Limited shot their film, "Kukurantumi" – The Road To Accra." The film was the first Ghanaian film to be screened on TV in Europe.
It was after this film that he started working on radio programmes. On GBC Two for instance, he started as a stringer on Carl Agyeman-Bannerman’s programme, "Solid Black".
He also took part in radio theatre with presenters like Tony Annan Forson, Charlie Sam, the late James Amartey and Gertrude Opare Addo.
Looking younger than his age, Mr Dontoh who loves wearing African clothes disclosed that he would be celebrating his 60th birthday next year, in December.
He had his elementary education in Cape Coast, Winneba and Abakranpa, all in the Central Region. He then continued to Apam Secondary School from Form One to Upper Six. For the Sixth Form, he read Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Though a science student, he loved the arts subjects as well so at the O'Level he studied nine subjects. "In fact, in 1975 I was one of the best Geography students in the whole country and so had distinction. However, my biggest blow was when I was not selected at the university to read medicine. It is all good, because I don't regret being an actor. Actors just don't entertain but also heal people and impart knowledge as well," he explained.
Mr Dontoh, who loves to uphold the traditional beliefs and practices of Ghana, lamented that "children of today are not humble and ready to learn. They always want to have their way".
Sharing his childhood experiences, he said his mother was a fish monger so he also sold some of the fish to enable him to buy his textbooks for school. "My sister, I have done a lot of trading. I have sold vegetables, doughnuts, bread, fish, among others, yet I found time to study.
Along the line in his career, Mr Dontoh did Drama and Theatre Studies (From 1985 to 1988) at the School of Performing Arts, University of Ghana, Legon. He majored in playwriting.
He and his wife, Rebecca, are blessed with two children, Jojo and Ewurama.
David Dontoh runs his own company "Golden Kauri" and an NGO, Kaurifire Arts Foundation. He founded three theatre groups that he works with. They are KOZIKOZI Theatre Company, Edzikanfo Concert Party and David Dontoh Cultural Ensemble (DADON CULEN).
Mr Dontoh currently hosts his own television programme, Agrofie, which is aimed at projecting African values.
Give us sign language examiners — Deaf students plead
Story: Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah
Students of the Demonstration School for the Deaf, Mampong-Akuapem, have appealed to the Ghana Education Service and the West African Examinations Council to provide all deaf students in the country with professional sign language examiners to mark their final examination papers.
The candidates, who are warming up for the upcoming BECE, lamented that currently their BECE answer papers were marked by able examiners who did not often appreciate the disability of the children.
The candidates made the appeal when the Junior Graphic visited the school to find out how prepared the candidates were.
The headmistress of the school, Mrs Regina Danquah, in an interview lent support to the call of the students. She said currently the deaf candidates were given 30 minutes extra to enable them to complete their work “unfortunately, there are some invigilators who do not wait for the 30 extra minutes to lapse and then collect their papers,” she explained.
Mrs Danquah said processing information was a big challenge to their students therefore, answering questions in English Language was always problematic because they needed an interpreter of the sign language to guide and provide them with further explanation.
The headmistress further appealed to the Computerised Schools and Selection and Placement Secretariat (CSSPS) to always place children with disabilities in schools with facilities for their special needs.
The deaf candidates, who are exceptionally good in Information Communication Technology (ICT), the sciences and calculations, said they were well prepared to write all the five subjects required of them.
Students of the Demonstration School for the Deaf, Mampong-Akuapem, have appealed to the Ghana Education Service and the West African Examinations Council to provide all deaf students in the country with professional sign language examiners to mark their final examination papers.
The candidates, who are warming up for the upcoming BECE, lamented that currently their BECE answer papers were marked by able examiners who did not often appreciate the disability of the children.
The candidates made the appeal when the Junior Graphic visited the school to find out how prepared the candidates were.
The headmistress of the school, Mrs Regina Danquah, in an interview lent support to the call of the students. She said currently the deaf candidates were given 30 minutes extra to enable them to complete their work “unfortunately, there are some invigilators who do not wait for the 30 extra minutes to lapse and then collect their papers,” she explained.
Mrs Danquah said processing information was a big challenge to their students therefore, answering questions in English Language was always problematic because they needed an interpreter of the sign language to guide and provide them with further explanation.
The headmistress further appealed to the Computerised Schools and Selection and Placement Secretariat (CSSPS) to always place children with disabilities in schools with facilities for their special needs.
The deaf candidates, who are exceptionally good in Information Communication Technology (ICT), the sciences and calculations, said they were well prepared to write all the five subjects required of them.
Candidates set for BECE
Story: Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah
Junior high school (JHS) candidates across the country are all set for the impending Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which begins on June 17.
In all 391,079 candidates are expected to sit for the examination at 1,378 examination centres.
In order to make this year's examination incident free, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has arranged for 1,378 Supervisors, 1, 297 Assistant Supervisors and 13,714 invigilators.
The number of participating schools is 11,778. The regional breakdown across the country is as follows; Greater Accra: 34,321 males and 35,776 females making up 70,097.
The Eastern Region has 21,157 males, 17,592 females totaling 38,749. The Central Region has 21,801 males and 18,719 females totalling 40,520.
The Western Region has 21,123 and 17,963 males and females respectively adding up to 39,086. Ashanti Region has the highest candidature with 41,110 males and 37,238 females also totalling 78,348.
The Brong Ahafo Region has 19,802 males, 15,996 making 35,798. Volta Region registered 16,545 males and 12,540 females making 29,085.
A total of 32,100 candidates registered in the Northern Region with 19,065 males and 13,035 females. The Upper East Region entered 5,603 males and 4,699 making 10,302 in all. The Upper West Region which has the lowest number of candidates has 5,603 males and 4,699 females totalling 10,302.
This year's BECE will be written within a period of six days with the first day papers being English Language One and Two and Social Studies One. Social Studies Two and Integrated Science One and Two will be written on June 18 while Mathematics One, Two and Basic Design and Technology (BDT) One will be written on June 19.
On June 20, the candidates will write BDT Two, Religious and Moral Education One and Two. Ghanaian Language and Culture One and Two ,and French One comes off on June 21.
The final papers, which will be written on June 24, are French Two and Information Communication Technology One and Two.
Junior high school (JHS) candidates across the country are all set for the impending Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) which begins on June 17.
In all 391,079 candidates are expected to sit for the examination at 1,378 examination centres.
In order to make this year's examination incident free, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has arranged for 1,378 Supervisors, 1, 297 Assistant Supervisors and 13,714 invigilators.
The number of participating schools is 11,778. The regional breakdown across the country is as follows; Greater Accra: 34,321 males and 35,776 females making up 70,097.
The Eastern Region has 21,157 males, 17,592 females totaling 38,749. The Central Region has 21,801 males and 18,719 females totalling 40,520.
The Western Region has 21,123 and 17,963 males and females respectively adding up to 39,086. Ashanti Region has the highest candidature with 41,110 males and 37,238 females also totalling 78,348.
The Brong Ahafo Region has 19,802 males, 15,996 making 35,798. Volta Region registered 16,545 males and 12,540 females making 29,085.
A total of 32,100 candidates registered in the Northern Region with 19,065 males and 13,035 females. The Upper East Region entered 5,603 males and 4,699 making 10,302 in all. The Upper West Region which has the lowest number of candidates has 5,603 males and 4,699 females totalling 10,302.
This year's BECE will be written within a period of six days with the first day papers being English Language One and Two and Social Studies One. Social Studies Two and Integrated Science One and Two will be written on June 18 while Mathematics One, Two and Basic Design and Technology (BDT) One will be written on June 19.
On June 20, the candidates will write BDT Two, Religious and Moral Education One and Two. Ghanaian Language and Culture One and Two ,and French One comes off on June 21.
The final papers, which will be written on June 24, are French Two and Information Communication Technology One and Two.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Blackouts/Teachers strike- taking toll on final year students
Story: Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah
Pupils and students across the country are having serious challenges . While the rampant blackouts in most parts of the country are taking a toll on academic work, teachers have also worsened matters by embarking on a strike.
As a result of the frequent power cuts, students, especially those who are preparing to write the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) are having challenges studying at night.
Currently, members of the two main teacher organisations - Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) - are also staying away from the classrooms in protest against what they say is discrimination by the government in the payment of their entitlements.
The teachers are calling for the payment of their maintenance allowance, which they say had not been paid for over 15 months.
Visits by the Junior Graphic to some senior high schools in Accra: Labone SHS, St Thomas Aquinas, PRESEC Osu and Accra High School, revealed that most of the teachers did not report to school at all, while the few that reported at some of the SHSs did not teach. Some sat in groups unders trees while others relaxed in their cars chatting heartily.
When the Junior Graphic visited the Nima Cluster of Schools, Independence Avenue, Kanda Cluster of Schools, among others, most of the students were not aware of the strike so they had turned out in their numbers. While others quickly returned home in excitement, after they were told about the strike, others stayed to play with their friends.
Schools that were scheduled to write their end of term examination had to postpone it to a later date.
Final-year students who are preparing for the WASSCE seem to be very disturbed over the strike action as some of them are currently undertaking their final practical in Visual Arts, Home Economics, Food and Nutrition, Clothing and Textiles, Music, Arabic, French and English Orals.
The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education, Stephen Adu, in an interview said it was very unfortunate that teachers were on strike at the 11th hour when their students needed them most. He, however, explained that his outfit was fast-tracking the necessary administrative work to ensure that outstanding issues were quickly addressed so that the strike was not prolonged.
Pupils and students across the country are having serious challenges . While the rampant blackouts in most parts of the country are taking a toll on academic work, teachers have also worsened matters by embarking on a strike.
As a result of the frequent power cuts, students, especially those who are preparing to write the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) are having challenges studying at night.
Currently, members of the two main teacher organisations - Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) - are also staying away from the classrooms in protest against what they say is discrimination by the government in the payment of their entitlements.
The teachers are calling for the payment of their maintenance allowance, which they say had not been paid for over 15 months.
Visits by the Junior Graphic to some senior high schools in Accra: Labone SHS, St Thomas Aquinas, PRESEC Osu and Accra High School, revealed that most of the teachers did not report to school at all, while the few that reported at some of the SHSs did not teach. Some sat in groups unders trees while others relaxed in their cars chatting heartily.
When the Junior Graphic visited the Nima Cluster of Schools, Independence Avenue, Kanda Cluster of Schools, among others, most of the students were not aware of the strike so they had turned out in their numbers. While others quickly returned home in excitement, after they were told about the strike, others stayed to play with their friends.
Schools that were scheduled to write their end of term examination had to postpone it to a later date.
Final-year students who are preparing for the WASSCE seem to be very disturbed over the strike action as some of them are currently undertaking their final practical in Visual Arts, Home Economics, Food and Nutrition, Clothing and Textiles, Music, Arabic, French and English Orals.
The Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education, Stephen Adu, in an interview said it was very unfortunate that teachers were on strike at the 11th hour when their students needed them most. He, however, explained that his outfit was fast-tracking the necessary administrative work to ensure that outstanding issues were quickly addressed so that the strike was not prolonged.
Check your data online WAEC tells candidates
Story: Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has directed all candidates writing the May/June 2013 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the June 2013 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to go online to check their correct data.
The online verification of statement of entries is to ensure that particulars of candidates submitted to the council are correct.
It will also help the council correct and facilitate the processing of results.
The Head of Public Relations at WAEC, Mrs Agnes Teye-Cudjoe, explained to the Junior Graphic that for some time now the council had been receiving entries of some candidates with errors which sometimes delayed the processing of results.
Mrs Teye-Cudjoe said some entries were sent with different names of candidates, photographs interchanged with those of others, wrong dates of birth and subjects, among others.
"When such errors occur, the candidates only detect them when they are handed their final results. This means many changes must be done," she said.
She said candidates should log onto the WAEC website: www.waecgh.org and if they detect any error in, for instance, their names, dates of birth, photographs or any other data, they should contact their heads of schools who would go ahead to request the correction of the errors.
"Requests from heads of schools for correction should reach the council not later than April 15," she added.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has directed all candidates writing the May/June 2013 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the June 2013 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to go online to check their correct data.
The online verification of statement of entries is to ensure that particulars of candidates submitted to the council are correct.
It will also help the council correct and facilitate the processing of results.
The Head of Public Relations at WAEC, Mrs Agnes Teye-Cudjoe, explained to the Junior Graphic that for some time now the council had been receiving entries of some candidates with errors which sometimes delayed the processing of results.
Mrs Teye-Cudjoe said some entries were sent with different names of candidates, photographs interchanged with those of others, wrong dates of birth and subjects, among others.
"When such errors occur, the candidates only detect them when they are handed their final results. This means many changes must be done," she said.
She said candidates should log onto the WAEC website: www.waecgh.org and if they detect any error in, for instance, their names, dates of birth, photographs or any other data, they should contact their heads of schools who would go ahead to request the correction of the errors.
"Requests from heads of schools for correction should reach the council not later than April 15," she added.
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