At least eight (8) BECE candidates from Nangbagu Yapala M/A Junior High School in the Northern Region were injured in a tragic road accident while on their way to sit for Thurday’s BECE at the Tamale Secondary School (Tamasco) centre in Sagnarigu.
The crash occurred about five kilometers away from the exam venue when the tricycle transporting the students collided with a motorbike carrying a couple. The motorcyclist died instantly, while his wife and the eight students sustained varying degrees of injuries.
According to Abdulai Mohammed, a teacher accompanying the group, the tricycle lost control after its steering mechanism failed, leading to the fatal collision.
“We eventually found another way to get the students to Tamale West Hospital, but due to the ongoing health worker strike, medical attention was delayed,” he explained.
Despite their injuries, the students insisted on taking the exam. However, they arrived too late—after the first paper had already ended.
“We pleaded with the supervisors to let them write the paper, but they were not allowed,” Mr Mohammed added. “The news was crushing. Some of the students collapsed from the emotional shock and were rushed back to the hospital.”
“When we got to the centre, the first paper was over, and the other students were coming out. We pleaded for our students to be allowed to write, but they were denied,” he added.
The incident has stirred strong reactions from the local community and education advocates, many of whom are demanding urgent intervention and fair treatment for the affected students.
Tricycles, locally known as “motorkings,” are not legally permitted to carry passengers due to safety concerns, yet remain a common mode of transport in underserved regions across Ghana.
Credit: Owusu Owusu Achiaw
