Kumasi, Feb 19, GNA,- Nana Tabiri Gyansah III, Omanhene of Mpasaso traditional area has instituted an award scheme for the best candidate of the impending Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in his area.

According to him candidates who will score aggregate 6 to 12 will be awarded one million cedis cash each, whiles those who would be within the bracket of 13 to 20 would receive 500,000 cedis. Nana Gyansah III told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Monday that he has also donated a gas lamp worth 1.5million cedis to the students to help candidates study in the night in preparation for the examination. He said the award which is his personal reward for hardworking students and not a scholarship to pursue further studies, would boost academic excellence in the area. The Omanhene who places high value on education had previously initiated numerous schemes including a scholarship for 40 students in the area, but regretted that most of the beneficiaries have dropped out of school.

He lamented the abysmal performances of JSS students in previous BECE examination and pledged to employ all means possible to help improve educational standards in the area since" education is the bedrock of development" he added. Nana Gyansah said an incentive package is also underway for teachers to boost their moral to give of their best. He urged parents to supervise the studies of their wards whiles also enforcing discipline in their homes to instil the learning culture in their children. 19 Feb 07