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The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, has charged students from public schools who sat for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to venture out and select top tier Senior High Schools in Ghana, ahead of their entry into second cycle institutions.

The assertion of Dr. Osei Adutwum follows, a new government policy, which has to apportion 30% of the spaces in top schools such as Wesley Girls, Aburi Girls, St Louis, Yaa Asantewaa, and other high ranking schools have been reserved for students who went to public school.

According to Dr. Adutwum, many years ago, if you were a student from public school, your chances of going to a top school were limited. However, it is no longer the case. He has, therefore, urged final year students to apply to Grade ‘A’ school because the status quo has changed.

He noted that the majority of final year students from public schools do not apply to the school for fear that you won’t be accepted by top tier schools.

He made these calls when he paid a working visit to some selected BECE centers in the Ashanti region namely: Achina SHS, ST Georges SHS, and Mighty JAPASS during the last day of the BECE.

Addressing BECE final year students at Achina SHS, Dr. Yaw Adutwum, who doubles as the Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, told the student: “There are a number of schools that are waiting for. The new government policy says that 30% of the spaces in our top schools like Wesley Girls, Aburi Girls, St Louis, Yaa Asantewaa, and a number of schools have been reserved for students, who went to public school.

This, he continued, if one applies and the student is not accepted, he or she still has a second choice and a third choice to apply for a school, so they should not be afraid and venture out and thereby try top tier schools.

He stated: “ If you are a young man, do not be afraid of applying to Prempeh College or Opoku Ware. Achina SHS too is a great school you can apply too. I want you to know that you have other options and choices, so do not limit yourself.

Ahead of their last paper which was Social Studies, Osei Adutwun implored them to feel relaxed and Take your time in answering the questions, emphasising them not, take too much time because it is a timed test.

Dr. Adutwum said: “ Make sure you read the questions carefully. Comprehend and then make sure you answer it right.

According to him, the Ministry of Education is waiting for the BECE candidates at the senior level, stressing that opportunities come and not many people get the opportunity.

He revealed to the students that they are going to be the fourth batch of Junior High Graduates who are going to enjoy FSHS in the annals of Ghana.

He told the BECE candidates: “There are people behind you five years back who missed it, but you did not miss it , you have it. Today, as you write your final paper , I want you to just feel relaxed ;do not be anxious ,do not be afraid ;understand that in the same way that you have done the previous test ,you are going to do well today.