2025 BECE Uncovers Growing Teenage Pregnancy Crisis as Dozens of Pregnant and Nursing Mothers Write Exams.

The Alarming Rise of Teenage Pregnancies: 2025 BECE Sees Dozens of Pregnant and Nursing Candidates Sitting for Exams

As the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) takes place across the country, many conversations have focused on student preparation, exam centers, and the overall number of candidates. 

However, beneath these statistics lies a sobering reality that often goes unnoticed, the growing number of pregnant and nursing students writing these crucial exams.

In the Upper East Region alone, official figures reveal the following:

•Total candidates registered: 19,523

•Boys: 8,842

•Girls: 10,681

•Visibly pregnant candidates: 21

•Lactating (nursing) mothers: 17

This means that approximately one out of every 255 female candidates is either pregnant or nursing a child while attempting to secure their basic education certificate.

These numbers reflect only the cases that are visibly identifiable. It is likely that the actual number of pregnant candidates is higher, as some pregnancies may not yet be apparent. Regardless, these figures highlight a serious social concern that continues to affect many adolescent girls.

While officials have assured that these young mothers are being given a safe and respectful environment to write their exams, their presence underscores deeper challenges: teenage pregnancy, early motherhood, and the risk of educational disruption. For many of these girls, sitting for the BECE represents not just an academic milestone, but a bold statement of resilience against the odds.

Early pregnancy remains one of the leading factors contributing to school dropout among girls. Despite various educational campaigns and community interventions, many young girls still find themselves balancing motherhood and schooling at an age when they should be focusing entirely on their studies and personal development.

As a society, these stories must push us to reflect. Beyond counting the number of pregnant candidates each year, there is a need for sustained efforts in providing comprehensive reproductive health education, stronger guidance and counseling services, and robust support systems that can prevent such occurrences and help affected girls continue their education.

The 2025 BECE offers yet another reminder that while academic performance is important, the personal struggles of many young candidates are equally significant. Behind each exam paper is a story of determination, and for some, a fight against circumstances far beyond their years.