The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bawku West, Hon. James Ayamwego, has appealed to stakeholders to intensify efforts to address challenges affecting the quality of education in the district.

Speaking at the Ordinary General Assembly Meeting held on August 28, 2026, at the District Assembly Conference Hall in Zebilla, the DCE expressed concern over poor academic performance, absenteeism and teenage pregnancy among school-going children.

Hon. Ayamwego disclosed that 1,500 candidates registered for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), but only 1,486 sat for the examination. The figure included four pregnant candidates, while 14 candidates were absent.

For the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), he said 1,139 candidates registered, with 1,133 eventually sitting for the examination. He added that 10 of the candidates were pregnant.

“Education is the foundation for the development and future prosperity of our communities, and we cannot afford to allow poor academic performance, absenteeism, teenage pregnancy, inadequate parental supervision and other challenges to undermine the future of our children,” he said.

The DCE called on parents to take greater responsibility for the education and welfare of their children, while urging Assembly Members to champion initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes in their respective electoral areas.

He also appealed to traditional leaders to mobilise their communities in support of education and encouraged teachers to demonstrate greater commitment to their duties, including regular attendance.

“Government alone cannot reverse this trend. The responsibility belongs to all of us, and the time to act is now,” Hon. Ayamwego stressed.

He said the District Assembly remained committed to supporting education through infrastructure and logistical interventions aimed at creating a more conducive learning environment.

Among the projects, he mentioned the completion of 3-unit classroom blocks at Timonde and Zabzoaga, the construction of a Kindergarten block at Adonsi, the restoration of 16 schools damaged by storms and the supply of 1,000 dual desks.

The DCE said the interventions formed part of broader efforts by the Assembly to improve educational infrastructure and provide children in the district with better opportunities to succeed.