Tragedy Strikes as 14-Year-Old BECE Candidate Dies After Falling Ill During. Exams
A 14-year-old student, Gariba Awudu, who was taking part in the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), has tragically passed away after falling seriously ill during one of his papers. The incident occurred at Assin Adiembra, a town in Ghana’s Central Region, and has sent shockwaves throughout the local community.Gariba Awudu was a student of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, where he had been preparing to complete his junior high school education by writing the BECE, a major national examination. On Thursday, during one of the examination sessions, Gariba reportedly began showing signs of illness. Although he managed to complete his paper, his condition worsened shortly afterward.
School officials, recognizing the seriousness of his symptoms, quickly arranged for him to be taken to the nearest health facility—the Assin Adiembra Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound—for medical attention. Unfortunately, when he arrived at the health post, there were no nurses or medical staff available to assist him.
The absence of healthcare workers at the CHPS compound was attributed to an ongoing nationwide nurses' strike, which has left many medical facilities understaffed or entirely without personnel. With no help available at the initial facility, the school authorities made a swift decision to transfer the student to the Assin Fosu Polyclinic, a better-equipped health center in the area.
Tragically, by the time Gariba arrived at the polyclinic, it was too late. He was pronounced dead on arrival by medical personnel.
The Assin South District Director of Education, Mr. Isaac Opoku, expressed his deep sorrow and disbelief over the unfortunate incident. He confirmed that official procedures are being followed to inform the student’s family about their son’s untimely death. According to Mr. Opoku, the news has greatly saddened the education authorities in the district.
Frederick Agyei, headteacher of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, also shared his grief, describing the situation as a devastating loss to the entire school community. He emphasized that the school took immediate action to try to save Gariba’s life and did everything within its power to respond appropriately. Despite their best efforts, the outcome was heartbreaking.
Mr. Agyei appealed to both students and members of the local community to remain calm and composed as they come to terms with this tragic loss. He also expressed his condolences to the family and encouraged the school community to support one another through this difficult time.
The incident has reignited concerns about the broader implications of strikes within essential sectors such as healthcare. While labor disputes are often based on legitimate demands for improved working conditions and fair treatment, the lack of emergency medical services during such strikes can result in severe consequences, especially for vulnerable populations like schoolchildren.
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As the examination period continues across the country, education and health stakeholders are being urged to coordinate more closely to ensure that all necessary emergency protocols are in place, especially during national events such as the BECE. The loss of a young student during such a pivotal moment is not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a painful reminder of the systemic challenges that need urgent attention.
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