The Member of Parliament (MP) for South Tongu, Maxwell Lukutor, has expressed concern over the performance of candidates in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the district.
According to the MP, the results recorded this year are worrying, with the best-performing candidate so far obtaining an aggregate of 16, while some candidates recorded as high as aggregate 52.
He contrasted this year’s performance with that of last year, when the best candidate in the district obtained a single-digit aggregate and was awarded GH¢5,000 by his office to support his or her education at the senior high school level.
Speaking at a gathering, Mr Lukutor appealed to parents to take a greater interest in the education and general wellbeing of their children.
He said some parents were unaware of where their children spent their nights and urged them to monitor their activities more closely.
“This year, the results of the examination were not good at all. Last year, the candidate who came first scored a single aggregate, and we gave him GH¢5,000 to support his education. But this year, I think the best aggregate so far is 16, while some candidates scored 52,” he said in the Ewe language in a video sighted by The Archives.
Mr Lukutor cautioned parents against allowing wayward behaviour among their children to persist, stressing that inadequate parental supervision could have serious consequences for their children’s future.
He further urged parents to work closely with teachers and schools to ensure that children attend school regularly and devote sufficient time to their studies.
“If things do not go well from the beginning, then Ghana will not have any future,” he stressed.
Social Media Concerns
Although the specific factors contributing to the district’s poor performance remain unclear, concerns have been raised about the growing influence of social media on students’ academic activities.
Some residents have attributed the situation partly to students’ excessive use of social media platforms, particularly TikTok and Facebook.
One parent, who expressed concern over the development, said some children had developed poor study habits, stayed up late and frequently missed school, particularly on market days.
“Our children don’t study, they don’t sleep on time, and they don’t go to school regularly, especially on market days. TikTok will not allow them to learn,” the parent lamented.
The parent also called for greater parental involvement in children’s education, saying some parents were not paying enough attention to their children’s academic progress.
The concerns have renewed calls for parents, teachers and community leaders in South Tongu to work together to improve academic outcomes and ensure that students receive the support and supervision needed to succeed.
