The Assembly Member for the Nfanibu Electoral Area in the Ahafo Ano North Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Hon. Gbeve Emmanuel, has made a strong appeal to the government and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to urgently establish a Senior High School (SHS) and a dedicated Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) center in the community.
Speaking to the media during a visit to the Manfo R.C. Junior High School—currently used as a temporary examination center for BECE candidates from surrounding communities—Hon. Gbeve Emmanuel expressed concern over how the current arrangement disrupts normal academic activities and limits opportunities for students in Nfanibu.
“Every year, when the BECE period comes, academic work at the Manfo R.C. JHS is halted completely. Non-candidate pupils are forced to stay home or relocate for days, which negatively impacts their learning. This is not sustainable,” the Assemblyman said.
He emphasized that Nfanibu has long been denied its fair share of educational infrastructure and called on the government to act swiftly to bridge the gap. “We have no Senior High School in this entire electoral area, and our children have to travel long distances to attend SHS in other towns. This creates financial and safety concerns for many families,” he added.
According to Hon. Gbeve, having a Senior High School within Nfanibu would not only ease the burden on parents but also create more enrollment opportunities for students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He stressed that education is the foundation of development and must be treated as a top priority in rural communities like Nfanibu.
In a further show of commitment to educational progress, Hon. Gbeve Emmanuel announced his personal initiative to reward academic excellence through a scholarship scheme for the best-performing BECE candidates in his electoral area. He said the move is aimed at motivating students to aim higher and continue their education with confidence.
“I will sponsor students who excel in this year’s BECE. It’s my way of showing that hard work pays off and that the community stands behind our young people,” he stated.
During his interaction with students, the Assemblyman also addressed issues of youth discipline and sexual health. He cautioned especially young girls to stay away from premarital sex while awaiting their results, warning that early pregnancy continues to be one of the leading causes of school dropouts among teenage girls.
“You must be mindful of your future. Avoid temptations and focus on your dreams. Education will take you farther than any short-term choices,” he advised.
His remarks have been welcomed by teachers, parents, and community members who are equally concerned about the lack of a proper SHS and examination center in the area. Several stakeholders called on the Ahafo Ano North Municipal Assembly and the Ministry of Education to give urgent attention to Hon. Gbeve’s plea and include Nfanibu in future education infrastructure projects.
As the 2025 BECE progresses nationwide, hopes remain high in Nfanibu that this year’s conversation will lead to meaningful action—and a brighter future for the youth of the community.
By Abrantepa Kizzaro
