By Muniratu Akweley Issah
Accra, May 22, GNA – The Ayawaso East Municipal Education Directorate has urged candidates who recently completed the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to make thoughtful career choices, particularly in selecting schools and programmes for the next stage of their education.
Dr William Tsekpo, the Municipal Education Director, said helping students make informed decisions about their academic and professional futures was essential to their long-term success.
He made the call at a career guidance programme, dubbed: “Life After BECE: Career Paths and Opportunities,” organised by the Directorate, in collaboration with the Tucee Institute of Counselling and Technology (TICT).
The programme aimed at exposing students to the wide range of educational and career opportunities available after junior high school and encouraging them to choose paths aligned with their interests, strengths and aspirations.
Dr Tsekpo described the period immediately after the BECE as a critical stage in the lives of young people, noting that decisions taken at that stage could shape not only their careers but also their contributions to national development.
He said the initiative introduced students to opportunities in General Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Business, Science, Arts, Agriculture and Skills Training.
“There is a path for every talent and ability,” he said.
Dr Tsekpo reminded the students that academic performance alone did not determine success in life.
“Success in life is not determined only by examination results, but also by discipline, determination, good character and the willingness to learn continuously,” he said.
He encouraged the candidates to believe in themselves, remain focused and seek mentorship as they prepared for the next phase of their educational journey.
The programme forms part of efforts by the Directorate to provide holistic support to students and ensure a smooth transition from junior high to senior high school and beyond.
Madam Sekina Dakpo Wottuomo, Guidance and Counselling Coordinator at the Ayawaso East Education Directorate, said the initiative was important because many BECE graduates were adolescents undergoing emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual development.
“At this stage, many young people experience confusion and conflict with their environment and even with their parents, often believing that they are misunderstood,” she said.
“That is why guidance and counselling is so important.”
She noted that some students became vulnerable to teenage pregnancy and early marriage during the period due to emotional changes and poor decision-making.
“We take time to explain what they are going through and why they need to stay focused if they want to achieve a brighter future,” she added.
Madam Wottuomo said the programme, which began in 2020, had helped many students to avoid early marriage and remain in school.
Mr Seth Adu Annorson, an educationist, counselling psychologist and TVET expert, advised the students to use the period while awaiting their results productively.
He encouraged them to visit libraries, enrol in ICT courses, acquire practical skills or engage in small businesses to keep themselves occupied and earn income towards school preparation.
Mr Annorson also urged the candidates to support their parents in their businesses and learn valuable lessons in customer service and responsibility.
“If your mother sells ‘Koobi’ and ‘Momoni’ in the market, go and help her. Your parents will spend a great deal to support your education when the results are released, so this is an opportunity to support them in return,” he said.
He said such experiences would not only strengthen family bonds but also equip the students with practical life and entrepreneurial skills.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Report by Muniratu Akweley Issah