The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says health personnel have been deployed nationwide to support pregnant candidates sitting for the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to WAEC, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that pregnant students write the examination in safe, comfortable, and supportive conditions without compromising their health and wellbeing.

Speaking during a tour of selected examination centres in Accra, WAEC’s Head in Ghana, Dr. Rosemond Wilson, revealed that special arrangements have been made to cater for pregnant candidates based on their medical conditions and individual needs.

She explained that candidates requiring medical attention or close monitoring during the examination are allowed to have nurses or health personnel nearby to provide support throughout the papers.

“Depending on their conditions, if their conditions are such that they can’t sit or they have to get a nurse by them, we allow the nurses to come with them to attend to them. So it depends on the condition of the pregnant child,” she said.

She further advised pregnant candidates to prioritise their health and promptly report any complications to their schools to enable WAEC to arrange the necessary medical assistance.

“We advise students who happen to be pregnant to be careful with their health. If they have issues, they should report to their school so that we get them health workers to attend to them,” she added.