The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has extended heartfelt encouragement and best wishes to the over 600,000 candidates sitting for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) across Ghana.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show on Wednesday, June 11, the Minister said, "Today is a significant milestone in the academic journey of our young children numbering over 600,000 students across the country who are sitting for the BECE from today, June 11 to June 17."

He delivered a strong message of hope and resilience to the candidates, urging them to maintain integrity throughout the examination period.

"On behalf of the President and the Ministry of Education, I want to extend warm wishes and heartfelt encouragement to all the candidates," he said.

"As they enter the exam halls, I urge them to remain calm, focused, and determined and avoid any form of examination malpractice. Believe in their ability to succeed they will succeed. They prepared for this day and they will succeed through honest efforts."

According to the Minister, the examination is not just a test of memory but a broader assessment of the character and potential of students. "They should remember that this examination is not just a test of memory but a reflection of their growth, their character and potential for which they’ve been trained," he added.

The Minister is currently on a monitoring tour across the country, assessing the level of preparedness by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and local schools. Speaking from Techiman in the Bono Region, he revealed a key concern raised during his visit to Babatokuma MA primary school in the Kintampo North the previous night.

"One of the concerns that I got exposed to is the quality of furniture that the students sit on even for the purpose of exams," Mr. Iddrisu said. "So there is an urgent need for the government to respond urgently to the furniture needs of schools."

He emphasised that the Ministry will take the issue seriously and seek appropriate interventions to improve basic infrastructure in schools, especially as students are expected to perform under conducive conditions.

As he continues his nationwide tour, the Minister reiterated his support for the candidates.

"Today is just best wishes to our students," he said. "They should have faith in themselves; they prepared for this day and this moment and they are only to put their knowledge, skills and confidence to test today and in the coming days till June 17."

“Best of luck, best wishes, be confident you will succeed, and you will succeed through honest efforts,” he said.