“We can’t study” — Students decry power cuts ahead of major exams

Final-year students across Ghana preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) are raising concerns over persistent and unplanned power outages, popularly known as dumsor, saying the situation is seriously affecting their revision schedules and psychological readiness ahead of the exams.

Candidates sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 4, say the erratic electricity supply is disrupting their evening study routines—typically one of the most important periods for revision at home. Many students report that repeated blackouts have reduced their study time, forcing them to either study in darkness or abandon revision altogether.

In interviews with JoyNews, several students described how the situation is affecting their academic preparation. One student explained that the lack of electricity makes it difficult to read and understand study materials at night.

“We don’t have light to study; when the light goes off, we barely see the letters in our books, which makes learning difficult,” the student said.

Another candidate noted that the disruptions are forcing many learners to stay longer in school to compensate for lost study time at home. Schools have increasingly become the only reliable space for revision due to the unstable power supply.

“We spend a lot of time in school due to the power outages because we can’t study when we get home,” the student added.

The challenge is also affecting students preparing for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), especially those already engaged in practical examinations in science, technical, and creative arts subjects. Some students say they are forced to remain in school late into the evening to make up for the time lost at home.

Another student described the unpredictability of the outages as particularly frustrating during a critical academic period.

“Sometimes the power comes when we are asleep, and by the time we wake up, it’s gone. It’s frustrating because this is the time we should be revising seriously,” the student said.

Parents have also expressed growing concern about the impact of the situation on their children’s academic performance. Many say the lack of reliable electricity makes it difficult for students to complete homework or revise after sunset.

“It’s a big problem. The children come home ready to learn, but there’s no light. Sometimes they just give up because there’s no other option,” a parent lamented.

To cope with the situation, some households have resorted to using generators, rechargeable lamps, and solar-powered devices. However, rising costs have made these alternatives unaffordable for many families, raising concerns about inequality in exam preparation opportunities.

“We are pleading with the government to do something. This is affecting our children’s future,” another parent appealed.

The issue has also attracted political attention. The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Kwabena Awuku, said he has received multiple complaints from students in his constituency regarding the impact of the outages on their studies.

“They keep telling me, ‘Honourable, we don’t have light to study,’” he said. “The power comes at odd hours—sometimes at dawn—and goes off again before they can make use of it. It’s deeply frustrating, and I’m worried for them.”

Mr. Awuku stressed the importance of the upcoming examinations, describing the BECE as a decisive academic milestone for many students. He called for urgent interventions to stabilize electricity supply or provide a predictable load-shedding timetable to help students plan their studies more effectively.

“These children may only have one shot at this exam. We need immediate action—either a stable power supply or a clear timetable to help them plan,” he added.

With examination dates already fixed, students and parents fear that the ongoing power challenges could place candidates at a disadvantage, potentially affecting performance in one of the most important stages of their educational journey.