BECE Candidate Abandons Exam to Engage in Galamsey in Juaben
A male student reportedly left his Basic Education Certificate Examination to pursue illegal mining, drawn by the promise of quick money.

- A BECE candidate in Juaben abandoned exams to join illegal mining (galamsey)
- The student said galamsey offered better financial prospects than completing school
- Authorities have warned against exam malpractice and are investigating the case
A student sitting for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) at Duapompo M/A Junior High School in the Juaben municipality of Ghana’s Ashanti Region reportedly abandoned the exam to engage in illegal mining activities, commonly known as ‘Galamsey.’
This was revealed by a teacher during a visit by the Juaben Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu, who came to encourage and assess exam readiness among candidates.
The male student, influenced by the lure of quick money, told teachers he believed earning from Galamsey would secure a better future than completing his exams, a source disclosed on condition of anonymity.
Illegal mining is prevalent in Juaben, especially in Bomfa, an area that made headlines throughout 2024 for similar activities.
Phyllis Boateng, the Municipal Director of Education, confirmed the student registered for the exam but stopped attending school altogether. Meanwhile, the MCE indicated she would investigate further once school authorities are available.
Out of 1,465 registered candidates across 43 schools in Juaben, Prince Owusu Snr. from Duamponpo MA JHS was notably absent from the exam.
Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu has cautioned all BECE candidates in the municipality against engaging in exam malpractice, warning that any involvement could lead to cancellation of their papers.
This year, the Ashanti Region expects 120,285 candidates to sit for the BECE across 432 exam centers.