The proprietor of The Big Six Educational Complex in Meduma, located in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region, has been arrested for allegedly detaining two Junior High School students during the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The shocking incident, which has sparked public outrage, unfolded on Monday, 17th June 2025, when Afoakwa Sarpong was handed over to the police by education officials for what is being described as “assault by imprisonment.”

According to a press release issued by the Ashanti Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, the arrest was initiated by the Kwabre East Municipal Education Director, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, and the Public Relations Officer of the Directorate, Mavis Okyere Anane.

Sarpong is alleged to have locked up two BECE candidates in a separate room at the examination centre on Monday, 16th June, thereby denying them the opportunity to write the Mathematics paper — a core component of the national exam.

Alleged Detention Over Registration Fees

Preliminary investigations by the Mamponteng District Police Command indicate that the proprietor confined the two students as a form of punishment for their parents’ failure to pay outstanding registration fees.

Eyewitness accounts and police sources suggest the students were detained in a classroom separate from their peers and were released only after the examination had ended — effectively robbing them of a key component of their academic future.

The action, widely condemned by both education authorities and child rights activists, has raised serious concerns about school accountability and the enforcement of educational rights, particularly in private institutions.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, the Kwabre East Municipal Education Directorate acted swiftly to verify the claims and coordinate the suspect’s arrest.
Speaking to journalists, Municipal Director Nana Adu Mensah Asare emphasized that “no child should be subjected to such inhumane treatment under any circumstance,” especially during a national examination.

He noted that while schools may face challenges related to fee collection, the rights of students — particularly during national assessments — must be protected at all costs.

“Even if parents default on payment, there are administrative channels for redress. What happened at Big Six School is totally unacceptable and undermines the principles of free and fair access to education,” he said.

Ongoing Police Investigation
Afoakwa Sarpong is currently in police custody, assisting with investigations.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Godwin Ahianyo, Head of the Public Affairs Unit in the Ashanti Region, a formal inquiry has been launched to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The Mamponteng District Command has commenced a formal investigation. All legal procedures will be followed, and justice will be served,” DSP Ahianyo stated in the release.

He further assured the public that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of students across the country.

Public Outcry and Legal Implications

The incident has triggered public anger on social media, with many calling for stricter regulations and oversight of private educational institutions.

Legal experts warn that Mr. Sarpong could face charges under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, specifically under provisions related to unlawful confinement and endangering the welfare of minors.

Education advocates have also called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) to take disciplinary action against the school, including potential revocation of its license if found complicit.

“This is not just a disciplinary matter — it is a clear violation of a child’s right to education,” said Sarah Donkor, a child rights activist based in Kumasi.

“We need a nationwide policy that clearly prohibits such actions and punishes those who violate the dignity of students in the name of money.”

BECE and the Bigger Picture

The BECE is a crucial examination that determines the placement of Junior High School graduates into Senior High Schools under Ghana’s education system.

This year’s exam, which began on 10th June and ends on 17th June 2025, has seen over 570,000 candidates sitting papers across the country.

For many students, it is a life-changing assessment — and any disruption can severely affect their educational trajectory.

The Ghana Education Service is expected to issue a statement soon on the matter, and sources suggest that remedial steps may be taken to assist the two affected students, possibly including a special re-sit opportunity.