A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on Friday, June 13, when 14-year-old Awudu Gariba, a Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidate, collapsed and died during his final exams.
The incident has sparked fresh outrage over Ghana’s ongoing healthcare challenges.
Awudu, a student of Nnuanua Number 1 Basic School, had exhibited signs of distress during Thursday’s exam.
However, he was unable to receive medical attention at the Adiembra CHPS compound due to a strike by nurses. Despite his worsening condition, he returned to the exam hall on Friday morning but collapsed while writing his first paper.
He was rushed to Assin Fosu Polyclinic, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Medical professionals later indicated that timely intervention might have saved his life.
This tragedy underscores the dire consequences of ongoing healthcare labour disputes, as the government continues negotiations with nurses and midwives over their conditions of service. Assin South District Education Director, Isaac Opoku, confirmed the incident to Channel One, stating, “Arrangements are being made to inform Awudu’s parents about the tragic incident.”
