Only two candidates were absent on the first day of the Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) in Ho out of 1,552 candidates. Supervisors at centre A, Mawuli School and centre B, OLA Senior High School could not tell why a male and female candidate for the centres respectively, failed to turn up. Mr Joseph Amenowode, Volta Regional Minister, who visited five examination centres in Ho, described the situation as a "far departure" from previous years, where many absentees were recorded, commending the candidates for starting the exams on a "good note". He was impressed that the papers started on time with no irregularity and urged the candidates to deliver their best and come out successful. He praised teachers for preparing and psyching up their candidates well for the exams and asked them to remain in high spirit throughout the exams so as to pass well. Some parents and teachers who were waiting for the candidates under shades told the GNA they had come to give morale support to the candidates, hopeful they would come out successfully. With Mr Amenowode on the tour was Colonel Cyril Necku Rtd., Deputy Volta Regional Minister. Source: GNA