Eight Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates from Nangbagu Yapala M/A JHS in the Northern Region were involved in a car accident on their way to the Tamale Secondary School (Tamasco) examination centre in Sagnarigu Municipality to write the paper on Thursday.
The unfortunate occurrence occurred approximately 5 kilometres from the exam site when the tricycle transporting the pupils collided with a motorbike carrying a man and his wife. The rider died on the spot, while his wife and all eight students suffered injuries of varying degrees.
Mr Abdulai Mohammed, a supervisor accompanying the candidates, stated that the accident occurred when the tricycle’s steering apparently locked, leading the rider to lose control and collide with the motorcycle.
“We got another means to carry them to the Tamale West Hospital, but because of the ongoing strike, it took a while before they managed to get two nurses and one doctor to attend to them,” Mr. Mohammed recalled.
He stated that, despite not being discharged, the students insisted on writing the exam. However, they arrived after the first paper had already been completed.
“When we arrived at the centre, they had finished the first paper and the students were exiting.” “We isolated our students so they could write, but they were denied,” Mr Mohammed explained.
He went on to say that the kids were heartbroken when they learnt they would not be able to sit for the paper. “When some of the kids heard the news, they began to collapse. “They’ve been rushed to the hospital again,” he said.
The scenario has raised concerns among community members and education stakeholders, with many urging for immediate action to support the affected candidates.
According to Ghanaian law, tricycles are not permitted to be utilised for passenger transportation since they are considered dangerous. Nonetheless, many rural villages and even cities rely on it for transportation, despite the fact that it is primarily designed to convey commodities.
