The Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has unveiled an incentive package aimed at motivating candidates in his constituency who will excel in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

He pledged to fully procure all items listed on the secondary school prospectus for any student who achieves a single-digit aggregate score.

The MP made this commitment during a monitoring tour of examination centres across the Asuogyaman Constituency on the first day of the exams. The visit sought to assess candidates’ preparedness and to offer words of encouragement.

This year, a total of 1,943 candidates are sitting for the BECE in the Asuogyaman District of the Eastern Region. Accompanied by District Chief Executive (DCE), Godwin Bobobee, and the District Director of Education, Augustina Adwoa Owusu, Mr Ampem Nyarko visited several centres to engage with students and exam officials.

Addressing candidates, he stated, “If you attain a single-digit score in this examination, I will provide every item on your secondary school prospectus. Once you are placed in a school, you and your parents will meet with the education director and my special aide. A brief ceremony will be held where we’ll present all the required items, so your parents won’t have to worry about preparing you for SHS.”

In addition to the scholarship offer, Mr Ampem Nyarko has reinstated a daily feeding programme to keep candidates nourished and focused throughout the examination period.

“As your MP, I’ve resumed the initiative I previously ran. Each day, you will receive a hot meal. Today, after your first paper, you’ll be served jollof rice and chicken,” he announced, much to the students' delight.

He also cautioned candidates against any form of examination malpractice, stressing the reputational damage such actions could bring. “We do not want to hear that students from Asuogyaman have cheated and had their papers cancelled. That would bring disgrace not just to you, but to your families, the constituency, and the district as a whole.”

The District Education Director, Augustina Adwoa Owusu, praised the MP’s interventions, describing them as timely and impactful. She emphasised the importance of the feeding initiative in helping candidates remain composed between papers.

“Previously, students had to search for food during breaks, often returning late and unsettled. With this arrangement, they can eat on time and prepare adequately for the next paper,” she said.

Madam Owusu expressed optimism about this year’s results, setting a target of a 68% pass rate, a significant improvement over past performances. “With 1,943 candidates writing this year, this benchmark reflects our ambition for meaningful progress,” she stated.

Some candidates who spoke to JoyNews expressed deep appreciation for the hot meals, saying the MP’s support has given them the extra motivation to aim high.