Headteacher arrested for allegedly locking up two BECE candidates over unpaid school fees
The Headteacher and Proprietor of Big Six Educational Complex in Meduma, Kwabre East Municipality, Akuakwa Sarpong, has been arrested for allegedly locking up two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, preventing them from writing their Mathematics examination.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, June 16, 2025, sparked public outrage after a video footage of the candidates narrating the incident went viral.
In an interview with Citi News on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Onyina-Akyeampong Akwasi Gyamfi, expressed deep concern about the situation, stating that he had reported the incident to the police.
“I am personally invested in ensuring justice for these students. I have formally reported this incident to the police and expect the individual responsible to face the consequences of his actions. It’s alarming to learn that a similar situation arose at this school last year, and I’m committed to pursuing this case vigorously,” he said.
According to a report by UTV, Sarpong was invited by the MP and the Municipal Education Director for questioning.
During the engagement, the headteacher explained that it was not his intention to prevent the students from writing the exam.
He claimed that he only wanted the students to call their parents to settle outstanding school fees.
He further noted that he often incurs financial losses because some parents fail to pay even after the academic term ends.
He reportedly suggested that he would personally arrange and register the two affected students as private candidates so they could write the missed paper at a later date.
Sarpong was subsequently handed over to the police and made to write a formal statement.
Both the MP and the Municipal Education Director, who also provided statements, condemned the incident.
AS/VPO
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