BECE 2004 Social Studies Past Questions and Answers
Answer all questions in this section.
Each question is followed by four options lettered A to D. Find the correct answer for each question.
1. An effect of slavery on Africa was that it
Solution: Slavery removed millions of able-bodied individuals from Africa, depleting its workforce and hindering development.
2. The first Europeans to arrive in Ghana in 1471 came from
Solution: The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in Ghana (then Gold Coast) in 1471, establishing trading posts like Elmina Castle.
3. The claim that the ancestors of the Akan migrated from Ancient Ghana is mainly based on
Solution: Cultural similarities, such as social organization and traditions, support the theory of Akan migration from Ancient Ghana, more than linguistic or genetic evidence.
4. The Fon and Aja of the Republic of Benin are closely related to the
Solution: The Fon and Aja share linguistic and cultural ties with the Ewe of Ghana, both belonging to the Gbe language family.
5. Evidence of Mamprusi origin is obtained during the Damba festival from
Solution: State drummers during the Damba festival narrate Mamprusi history and origins through drumming, a key cultural practice.
6. Unity among ethnic groups in Ghana can be promoted through
Solution: Inter-marriages foster unity by creating familial ties across ethnic groups, promoting mutual understanding and integration.
7. Badu saw a man throwing a ten-thousand cedi note into a grave. What has this person done?
Solution: Throwing currency into a grave destroys national property, as it defaces legal tender, which is prohibited under Ghanaian law.
8. Forts and castles were built purposely by the early Europeans for
Solution: European forts and castles, like Elmina and Cape Coast, were built as trade depots for goods (including slaves) and for defense against rival powers.
9. Which of the following ethnic groups in Ghana trace their origin from Ile Ife in Nigeria?
Solution: The Ga people trace their origins to Ile Ife in Nigeria, according to their oral traditions, linking them to Yoruba heritage.
10. The Asante Kingdom was colonized by the British through
Solution: The British colonized the Asante Kingdom through military invasions, particularly during the Anglo-Asante Wars, culminating in 1900–1901.
11. The Volta Region before World War I was a colony of
Solution: Before World War I, the Volta Region was part of German Togoland, which was later divided between Britain and France after Germany’s defeat.
12. People from various ethnic groups are found in the cities of Ghana because of
Solution: Trade opportunities in urban centers attract people from various ethnic groups, driving economic activity and migration to cities.
13. Writing a bill into a legal language is done by the
Solution: The Attorney-General’s Department drafts bills in legal language before they are presented to parliament for consideration.
14. If Musah wants a new law to be made against armed robbery whom will he contact?
Solution: Parliamentarians are responsible for proposing and enacting new laws, so Musah should contact a member of parliament.
15. The constitution of a country is endorsed by the people through
Solution: A referendum allows citizens to vote directly to approve or reject a constitution, ensuring public endorsement.
16. The demand for ‘self government now’ was made in 1949 by
Solution: Kwame Nkrumah, through the Convention People’s Party, demanded “self-government now” in 1949, advocating for immediate independence.
17. Government revenue for developmental projects is raised mainly through
Solution: Taxation is the primary source of government revenue for funding developmental projects, providing a sustainable income stream.
18. The principle of separation of powers prevents
Solution: Separation of powers divides government into executive, legislative, and judicial branches, preventing any one branch from becoming dictatorial.
19. Which of the following should be identified as the major causes of ethnic conflicts in Ghana?
Solution: Chieftaincy disputes (i) and land disputes (ii) are major causes of ethnic conflicts in Ghana, often involving competition for power and resources.
20. On which of the following occasions is the parallel culture of prayer not demonstrated in Ghana?
Solution: Parallel prayers (multi-faith prayers) are common during national events like Independence Day, Eid-il-Fitr, and Farmers’ Day, but not typically for Teachers’ Day.
21. Science education is very important in schools because it
Solution: Science education equips students with technological knowledge, driving innovation and development in society.
22. An administrative clerk at the Ministry of Education is a
Solution: An administrative clerk in a government ministry is a civil servant, working in the public sector to support government operations.
23. Which of the following may not be considered in finding one’s direction home, when one’s way is lost in the forest?
Solution: Shouting for help is not a reliable navigational method, unlike using landmarks, the sun’s position, or wind direction to find one’s way.
24. Bawku is located north-east of
Solution: Bawku is located north-east of Bolgatanga, both in the Upper East Region of Ghana, as seen on a map.
25. A good layout of a settlement includes all the following except
Solution: A well-planned settlement avoids overcrowding, which hinders disaster prevention, movement, and sanitation.
26. Which of the following minerals can be used to improve upon the fertility of the soil?
Solution: Phosphate is used in fertilizers to enhance soil fertility, unlike bauxite, iron, or diamond, which have industrial uses.
27. Which of the following countries is within the same time zone as Ghana?
Solution: Senegal, like Ghana, is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone, while Nigeria is GMT+1, and Britain and Canada are in different time zones.
28. The Prairie Provinces in Canada produce the raw material for making
Solution: The Prairie Provinces produce wheat, a key raw material for bread production, through large-scale farming.
29. Ghana is not economically independent because of her
Solution: Ghana’s over-reliance on foreign loans limits economic independence, as it creates debt burdens and external influence.
30. Low savings by Ghanaian workers is mainly due to
Solution: A high dependency ratio, where workers support many dependents, reduces disposable income available for savings.
31. Efficiency of the labour force is achieved through
Solution: Training and retraining enhance workers’ skills and knowledge, improving labor efficiency and productivity.
32. Which of the following tertiary industries is a leading foreign exchange earner in Ghana
Solution: Tourism is a major foreign exchange earner in Ghana, attracting international visitors who spend foreign currency on attractions and services.
33. Productivity in agriculture can be increased in Ghana through
Solution: Modern technology, such as mechanized farming and improved seeds, significantly boosts agricultural productivity.
34. Which of the following business enterprises is privately owned?
Solution: Unilever Ghana Limited is a private multinational company, while the others are state-owned enterprises.
35. Productivity in the Public Service is low because of
Solution: Poor work attitude, such as lack of punctuality or commitment, contributes to low productivity in Ghana’s public service.
36. Ghana receives loans and aid from the World Bank because of its membership of the
Solution: Ghana’s membership in the UNO enables access to World Bank loans and aid, as the World Bank is a UN-affiliated institution.
37. The Voluntary Service Overseas is associated with the
Solution: Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) is a program linked to the Commonwealth, sending volunteers to support development in member countries.
38. Which of the following countries has the least per capita income?
Solution: Ghana, as a developing country, has a lower per capita income compared to developed nations like Japan, Britain, and Canada.
39. The Chief Justice of Britain who made the slave trade illegal was
Solution: Lord Mansfield’s 1772 ruling in the Somerset case declared that slavery was unsupported by English law, a key step toward abolition.
40. The most effective way of solving the socio-economic problems of the modern world is through the application of
Solution: Science and technology drive innovation, improving healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure to address socio-economic challenges.
1. 1. (a) Give two reasons why the British colonized Ghana.
1. (b) List three main ways by which the British colonized Ghana.
(c) State five benefits which Ghana has derived from British colonization.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 1
1.(a) (i) Trade - To trade in gold, spices, salt and other raw materials to feed their industries
(ii) Exploration and Exploitation - To explore and exploit the natural resources of Ghana, such as gold, bauxite, manganese and timber
(iii) Evangelism - To preach the gospel and spread Christianity
(iv) Prestige - To expand their territories and influence in Africa - the more territories they colonize, the more powerful they are seen to be.
(v) Civilisation - To promote modern civilization in Africa
(b)
(i) Agreements / Treaties / Bonds - They made / signed agreements / bonds / treaties with some local traditional rulers and also with other European nations to facilitate the colonization process
(ii) Persuasion - They persuaded the northern chiefs into accepting their offer of protection from the French and Germans
(iii) Force / Conquest - They fought against the Asantes, conquered them and thereafter, forced them to become part of their colony
(c)
(i) Formal Education - Introduction of formal education by the establishment of schools and colleges
(ii) Currency - Introduction of currency notes and coins as the medium of exchange to replace the barter system, which led to a better commercial system
(iii) Christianity - The spread of Christianity, which made people more morally conscious
(iv) Legal System - The introduction of the formal legal system, which helped to maintain law and order
(v) Health - The establishment of clinics and hospitals and the training of health professionals, which helped to improve the delivery of health to the people
(vi) Literacy - The development of alphabet for local languages, which led to writing and reading of local languages and English
(vii) Agriculture - The introduction of better agricultural implements and methods, which led to higher yield from the agricultural sector.
(viii) Architecture - The introduction of new and improved physical structures, which were much more stronger and beautiful - a number of which are still standing strong to date.
(ix) Tourism - The creation of tourist sites, such as the forts and castles, out of which the state still gets revenue.
(x) Infrastructure - The development of better infrastructure, e.g., roads, railway lines, harbour, etc., which has significantly improved the economy of the country.
2. 2. (a) What are human rights abuses?
2. (b) Give four examples of such abuses.
(c) Explain two ways by which human rights abuses can be prevented.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 2
2. (a) The violation / breach of the rights and freedoms of an individual
(b) (i) Killing a person, except on orders of a law court or in self-defence (abuses one’s right to life)
(ii) Detaining a suspect without charge beyond 48 hours (abuses one’s right to personal liberty)
(iii) Caning / beating up someone in public (abuses one’s right to dignity)
(iv) Publishing a false accusation / insults of someone (abuses one’s right to dignity)
(v) Depriving someone of his/her private property, except by law (abuses one’s right to private property)
(vi) Preventing someone from expressing his / her opinion, except it breaches law and order (abuses one’s right to freedom of expression)
(vii) Preventing someone from joining a group of his / her choice (abuses one’s right to freedom of association)
(viii) Disallowing a person from practising his / her religion of choice (abuses one’s right to freedom of religion)
(ix) Discriminating against someone based on his/ her gender / tribe / colour / religion / belief / social status (abuses one’s right to equality)
(c) (i) Increased public education - Many people do not even know their human rights. The ignorance facilitates the abuse of their rights by others. Education by government agencies and other bodies is therefore necessary to reduce the levels of abuse or even prevent it. The education must include: what one’s human rights are, how to prevent abuse of one’s rights by others, steps to take in case of abuse, measures to forestall future occurrences
(ii) Strengthening of our democratic and governmental institutions and agencies - Institutions such as DOVVSU, CHRAJ, the Ghana Police Service and the law courts must be strengthened, equipped and empowered to deal with human rights abuse cases more effectively and swiftly.
(iii) Improving access to both formal and non-formal education - The high levels of illiteracy also contribute to the general ignorance of human rights. Where people are able to read and understand text on their own, it facilitates quicker and easier gaining of knowledge of human rights and other issues. It is therefore necessary to improve access to both formal and non-formal education.
(iv) Modification of cultural practices which tend to infringe on human rights - Certain cultural practices or aspects of them that infringe on human rights must be either changed or modified. Some of these practices are puberty rites, widowhood rites, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, etc. Certain aspects of these practices, which are painful, shameful, humiliating or dehumanising must be either stopped or modified to more acceptable forms, which do not infringe on one’s human rights
(v) Greater involvement of religious / traditional society - Religious bodies and traditional leaders must come together to address / modify certain practices in their religions or culture which tend to infringe on the fundamental rights of members or even non-members. They should also help with the public campaign against human right abuse, since their followers take their word more seriously.
(vi) Prompt reporting of abuse cases to the appropriate institutions - People who have been abused, their families, friends, the media and society in general must cultivate the habit of reporting human rights abuse cases promptly. This would stop further abuse and prevent future occurrence if the right measures are taken.
(vii) Prompt prosecution and punishment of offenders - Offenders, who are caught, should be promptly made to face the full rigours of the law. This should serve as a deterrent to others and hence prevent further similar abuses in future.
(viii) Poverty alleviation (or wealth creation) programmes for the people - As a result of poverty, many people suffer in silence as their human rights are abused regularly, since they may not have the money to even take the necessary measures. There is therefore the need to run more wealth creation projects in order for people to come out of poverty and gain financial and social freedom
3. 3. (a) State any four ways by which water can be polluted in Ghana.
3. (b) Explain any three effects of water pollution.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 3
3. (a) (i) Crude Oil spillage on the sea
(ii) Disposal of sewage into water bodies
(iii) Disposal of chemicals into water bodies
(iv) Dumping of industrial waste into water bodies
(v) Disposal of solid waste (faeces) into water bodies
(vi) Disposal of refuse / domestic waste into water bodies
(b) (i) It leads to the spread of water-borne diseases, e.g., schistosomiasis, cholera
(ii) It causes the death of fishes and other organisms that live in water
(iii) It makes water unsafe for domestic use
(iv) It causes loss of revenue to fishermen and the government
(v) It increases the cost of water treatment
(vi) It could lead to unemployment of those who derived their livelihood from the water bodies, e.g., fishermen, tour guides
4. 4. (a) Describe the following:
4. (i) rotation of the earth;
(b) Mention any two effects of each of the following:
(i) rotation of the earth,
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 4
4. (a) (i) Rotation of the earth: The turning movement of the earth around its axis. It takes 24 hours / 1 day to complete one rotation
(ii) Revolution of the earth: The circular / elliptical movement of the earth on its orbit around the sun. It takes 365 1/4 days / 1 year to complete one revolution
(b) (i) Rotation of the earth
Day and night
Differences in time (time zones) on the earth
Certain movements of air masses / winds
The bulging of the earth at the equator
Movements of ocean currents
Rising and falling of sea levels (high and low tides)
Changes in the earth’s magnetic fields
(ii) Revolution of the earth
The four seasons (Summer, autumn, winter and spring)
Different lengths of day and night at different times of the year
The lunar and solar eclipses (i.e., eclipses of the moon and sun)
The different altitudes of the midday sun at different times of the year.
5. 5. (a) Name four areas of tourist attraction in Ghana.
5. (b) State four benefits of tourism in Ghana.
(c) Describe two negative effects of tourism in Ghana.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 5
5.(a) (i) Waterfalls: Wli falls, Boti falls, Kintampo falls
(ii) Historical sites, Forts and Castles: Cape Coast Castle, Elmina Castle, Osu Castle, Fort St. Jago, James Fort, Salaga Slave Market, Laranbaga Mosque, Komfo Anokye Sword site
(iii) Relief features: Mountain Afadjato, Akwapim-Togo range, Kwahu scarp, Gambaga escarpment
(iv) Ecotourism (Nature, Game and Forest reserves): Kakum National Park, Mole National Park, Ankasa National Park, Digya National Park, Paga Crocodile Pond, Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, Atwea Forest, Shai Nature Reserve, Aburi Botanical Gardens, The ‘Big Tree’ at Oda
(v) Zoos: Kumasi zoo, Accra zoo
(vi) Water bodies: Lake Bosomtwi, Lake Volta
(vii) Museums and mausoleum: National Museum, West African Historical Museum, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum
(b) (i) Foreign exchange earner for Ghana - The nation earns a lot of foreign exchange from the tourism industry through payment of fees, fares, duties, etc., in foreign currencies by tourists who come into the country.
(ii) Source of revenue to the government of Ghana - Ghana earns a great deal of revenue from tourism through payment of income tax, import duties, Value Added Tax (VAT), royalties, levies, etc. by Hotels, Restaurants, Tourist site operators, Airlines, etc.
(iii) Tourist sites promote the development of communities - The location of tourist sites sometimes causes the development of certain social amenities close to it, e.g., the construction of roads to the site, the drawing of electricity / water to the community, etc. These are done to make tourists feel more comfortable and hence attract more tourists.
(iv) Source of employment - Tourism provides employment directly and indirectly to various kinds of people. Examples of such people are tour guides, security men, hotel workers, airport staff, airline workers, etc.
(v) Promotes environmental preservation - When certain natural resources such as forest reserves, game parks, waterfalls, lakes, etc., are used as tourist attraction sites, they are preserved / maintained. This promotes a healthy and preserved natural environment.
(vi) Helps to attract foreign investors into the country - When tourists come into the country, they may identify sectors of the economy which they might consider investing in.
(vii) Gives a boost to the local artefacts industry - Tourists who come into the country usually buy locally made artefacts as souvenirs. The high patronage of the artefacts provide income to the producers as well as advertise Ghana in their home countries
(c) (i) Influence of foreign culture, e.g., wearing clothes that expose the body, profane music, heavy smoking and drinking
(ii) Spread of diseases / infections, such as HIV/AIDS, gonorrhoea, hepatitis
(iii) Increase in social vices / criminal activities, such as drug abuse, armed robbery, prostitution, etc.
(iv) Environmental degradation, such as destruction of vegetation for roads or hotels, littering, pollution by refuse and other waste materials, killing of animals for food and artefacts, etc.
6. 6. (a) State four contributions of the manufacturing industry to the economy of Ghana.
6. (b) List any four problems facing the manufacturing industry in Ghana.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 6
6.(a) (i) Helps the country to earn and conserve foreign exchange - by exporting the secondary products
(ii) It reduces the nation’s over-reliance on foreign goods - by producing the goods that the nation would have otherwise imported from other countries
(iii) It adds value to the basic / raw materials - which helps to generate more income for both the sector industries and the government.
(iv) Helps in the development of infrastructure - as part of their social responsibility programmes, the sector industries may help to provide various forms of infrastructure
(v) Creates job opportunities for the people - by employing people with the right skills and training to work in the sector industries.
(vi) It reduces the rural-urban migration - in the cases where production centres or branches or agencies are located in the rural areas.
(vii) It increases the sources of income to the government - by the payments of taxes and other levies.
(viii) Reduces the margins of post harvest loss - as raw materials are processed into finished and semi-finished products.
(b) (i) Lack of ready market for certain goods
(ii) Irregular supply of electricity
(iii) Inadequate supply of water for production
(iv) Insufficient capital for adequate growth and expansion
(v) Low standard of skilled labour (workers)
(vi) Inadequate use of modern technology and methods
(vii) High tax burden on industries
(viii) Low development of transportation network
(ix) Insufficient supply of raw materials
(x) High costs of production inputs