By Felix Cofie
The proprietor of the Big Six Educational Complex in Meduma, Mr. Afoakwa Sarpong, has been arrested for allegedly detaining two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, preventing them from writing their Mathematics paper.
The arrest was carried out on Monday, 17th June 2025, at 2:00 p.m., by the Kwabre East Municipal Education Director, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, in the company of the Municipal Public Relations Officer, Ms. Mavis Okyere Anane. Mr. Sarpong was subsequently handed over to the Mamponteng District Police Command for further investigation.
The incident is reported to have occurred on Sunday, 16th June 2025, during the ongoing BECE. According to preliminary information, Mr. Sarpong allegedly confined two junior high school students to a room at the examination centre, barring them from sitting for the mathematics paper. His reason: the students had not paid their full registration fees.
The candidates, whose names have been withheld due to their age, were only released after the paper had ended, effectively costing them the chance to complete a core component of their national exams.
Police have confirmed that a formal investigation is underway. The charge being considered is assault by imprisonment, a serious offence under Ghanaian law. Authorities have assured the public that due legal processes will be followed, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with calls from child rights advocates and education stakeholders for stricter oversight of private educational institutions and greater protection for students’ rights.
