Ada west: The Ada West District Education Directorate has intensified the implementation of key policies, aimed at addressing teenage pregnancy and improving academic performance among basic school pupils in the district. Dr. Stephen Arthur, the District Director of Education, announced these measures during the district's 69th Independence Day celebration held at the Sege Cluster of Schools Park.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Arthur highlighted that the directorate had strengthened the Right Age Enrolment Policy to encourage parents to enrol children in school at the appropriate age. The policy stipulates that children should begin kindergarten at four years old and primary one at six years old to promote age-appropriate learning progression. Dr. Arthur identified late school enrolment as a significant factor contributing to teenage pregnancies and high dropout rates, particularly among girls.
The Right Age Enrolment Policy is expected to reduce school dropouts, protect the dignity of the girl child, and strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy among pupils. Despite these efforts, the district recorded a 50.7 percent pass rate in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which fell short of the district's target of 60 percent. To address this, the district has registered 1,635 candidates to sit for the 2026 BECE, scheduled from May 4 to May 11.
In a bid to improve academic performance, subject experts have been engaged to provide technical support to candidates in core subjects. Additionally, the district has revived the District Level Teacher Prize, which had been discontinued since 2018 due to funding constraints. This award scheme recognizes outstanding teachers and education officers for their dedication and innovation in enhancing education delivery.
Dr. Arthur urged parents, teachers, and community leaders to collaborate in supporting the education sector and ensuring improved learning outcomes for children in the district.