BECE 2005 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. The Trans-Atlantic slave trade increased in volume because of the
Solution: The demand for cheap labor to work on plantations in America and Brazil drove the expansion of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries.
2. Which of the following values ensures peaceful co-existence among ethnic groups in Ghana?
Solution: Tolerance allows different ethnic groups to accept and respect each other’s cultural differences, fostering peaceful co-existence.
3. The Akan originally settled in the basin of River
Solution: Historical accounts trace the Akan’s early settlements to the Pra River basin before they spread to other parts of Ghana.
4. A constitutional obligation which ensures peace and harmony in Ghana is for the citizens to
Solution: Being law-abiding ensures citizens adhere to rules, promoting peace and harmony as outlined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution.
5. The location of an object measured in degrees is known as
Solution: Bearing is the angular measurement of an object’s location relative to a reference point, typically measured in degrees from north.
6. Which of the following is an abuse of human rights in Ghana?
Solution: Pledging young people for money, such as in servitude or forced labor, violates their rights to freedom and dignity.
7. The Mole-Dagbon ethnic group migrated from
Solution: The Mole-Dagbon are believed to have migrated from the region east of Lake Chad to their current settlements in northern Ghana.
8. Ethnic conflicts must be avoided because they slow down
Solution: Ethnic conflicts disrupt economic activities, investment, and development, significantly slowing economic growth.
9. The first castle school opened in Ghana was at
Solution: The first castle school was established at Cape Coast Castle by the British in the 17th century to educate the children of European traders and local elites.
10. Which of the following factors encourages rural-urban migration in Ghana?
Solution: Fewer job opportunities (I) and the presence of higher educational institutions in urban areas (IV) are key drivers of rural-urban migration, unlike fertile soils or high farm produce prices.
11. The direction of Yendi from Tamale on map of Ghana is towards the
Solution: Yendi is located to the east of Tamale in the Northern Region of Ghana, as seen on a map.
12. Which mineral is mined in the basin of River Birim in Ghana?
Solution: The Birim River basin is known for diamond mining, particularly alluvial diamonds, in areas like Akwatia.
13. Ghanaian culture can be made dynamic in the rural areas through
Solution: Non-formal education, such as community workshops, helps preserve and adapt Ghanaian culture in rural areas by engaging adults and youth outside formal school systems.
14. Which of the following are rights of a citizen in Ghana?
Solution: Protection of life (I) and personal liberty (IV) are fundamental rights of Ghanaian citizens, while payment of taxes and protecting public property are duties, not rights.
15. At the district level, an assemblyman is equivalent to a
Solution: An assemblyman at the district level serves a representative role similar to a parliamentarian at the national level, advocating for community interests.
16. The poll to determine whether British Togoland should join Ghana or not is known as
Solution: The 1956 plebiscite in British Togoland allowed residents to vote on whether to join Ghana or remain separate, leading to integration with Ghana.
17. An important town in the Sudan Savanna zone of Ghana is
Solution: Bawku, located in the Upper East Region, lies in the Sudan Savanna zone, characterized by grasslands and sparse trees.
18. In which of the following highlands is the River Volta gorge located?
Solution: The Volta River gorge is located in the Akwapim-Togo range, where the river cuts through to form the Akosombo Dam.
19. Environmental degradation in Tarkwa and Prestea is mainly due to
Solution: Illegal mining (galamsey) in Tarkwa and Prestea causes significant environmental damage, including deforestation, water pollution, and land degradation.
20. A bill passed by parliament becomes law when the President gives his
Solution: A bill becomes law in Ghana after parliamentary passage and presidential assent, as per the 1992 Constitution.
21. A constitution is important for a country because it
Solution: A constitution provides the framework for good governance, outlining the structure, powers, and responsibilities of government institutions.
22. One way of raising the per capita income of Ghana is to
Solution: Increasing productivity boosts economic output, raising per capita income by generating more wealth per person.
23. A nation is self-reliant when she
Solution: Self-reliance means a nation can produce most of its basic needs domestically, reducing dependence on imports or foreign aid.
24. Ghana is described as a developing country because she has a high
Solution: Ghana’s high population growth rate, coupled with limited industrialization and infrastructure, characterizes it as a developing country.
25. In which of the following combinations of labour and output is productivity highest?
Solution: Productivity is output per worker. Option A (30 bags ÷ 2 men = 15 bags/man/hour) yields the highest productivity compared to B (13.33), C (12.5), and D (12).
26. If Nigeria’s time is one hour ahead of that of Ghana, then Nigeria is
Solution: A one-hour time difference corresponds to 15° longitude (1 hour = 15°). Since Nigeria is ahead, it is 15° east of Ghana.
27. The high boundary line which divides the flow of rivers in opposite directions is called
Solution: A watershed is a ridge or elevated area that separates the flow of rivers into different drainage basins.
28. The largest delta along the West Coast of Africa is that of the
Solution: The Niger River forms the largest delta in West Africa, known as the Niger Delta, covering a vast area in Nigeria.
29. The amount imposed on Ghanaians under the Poll Tax Ordinance was
Solution: The Poll Tax Ordinance of 1852 imposed a tax of one shilling per person, sparking resistance among Ghanaians.
30. Which of the following types of vegetation is not found in Ghana?
Solution: Ghana’s vegetation includes Sudan, Guinea, and Tropical Savanna, but the Sahel Savanna is found further north in drier regions like Burkina Faso.
31. All the following locations in Ghana are important for salt mining except
Solution: Songor, Weija, and Daboya are known for salt production, but Axim is primarily associated with fishing and gold mining.
32. Socialization of the child begins
Solution: Socialization starts at home, where children first learn values, norms, and behaviors from family members.
33. The 1992 Constitution of Ghana was given public approval through
Solution: The 1992 Constitution was approved by Ghanaians through a national referendum held on April 28, 1992.
34. Parallel cultures in Ghana are seen in the institution of
Solution: Parallel cultures in marriage rites exist where different ethnic groups practice similar customs, such as bride price or traditional ceremonies, with variations.
35. Which of the following vegetation zones is most suitable for the cultivation of maize?
Solution: The Guinea savanna, with its moderate rainfall and fertile soils, is ideal for maize cultivation in Ghana.
36. The rock suitable for the construction of roads is
Solution: Granite, due to its durability and strength, is widely used for road construction, unlike softer rocks like limestone or sandstone.
37. If a person suspected of being a thief is beaten up by a mob, he is denied the right to
Solution: Mob justice denies a suspect the right to a fair trial, as guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution, by bypassing legal processes.
38. The central government supports District Assemblies through
Solution: The District Assemblies Common Fund, established under the 1992 Constitution, provides central government funding to support local governance.
39. Which of the following institutions is most useful in the provision of social amenities in Ghana?
Solution: District Assemblies are responsible for providing social amenities like schools, water, and sanitation at the local level, making them most relevant.
40. The main function of the executive organ of government is
Solution: The executive, led by the President, is tasked with implementing laws and policies, while law-making and interpretation are functions of the legislature and judiciary, respectively.
1. 1. (a) Name four ethnic groups in Ghana.
1. (b) Give any four reasons for the movement of the named ethnic groups to their present settlements.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 1
1. (a)
(i) Akan
(ii) Ga-Dangbe
(iii) Mole-Dagbani
(iv) Ewe
(v) Guans
(b) (i) To get fertile lands for farming
(ii) To be close to the sea and other water bodies for fishing and domestic use
(iii) To attain peace, stability and security
(iv) To avoid natural disasters
(v) To locate themselves well for effective commercial activities
2. 2. (a) Mention four international organizations of which Ghana is a member.
2. (b) Which four benefits does Ghana enjoy from its membership of any one of the international organizations mentioned in (a)?
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 2
2. (a)
(i) Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS]
(ii) African Union (AU) [former Organisation of African Unity (OAU)]
(iii) The Commonwealth of Nations
(iv) Non-aligned Movement
(v) United Nations Organization (UNO)
(b) (i) Benefits from Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS]
Free movement of citizens, goods and services
Joint economic and developmental ventures, e.g., West Africa Gas Pipeline
Reduction in duties and other charges for trade with / in member countries
Increased market size for locally produced goods and services
Improvement in transport and communication
Peace and stability in the sub-region
Promotion of sports and culture among member states
(ii) Benefits from African Union (AU) [former Organisation of African Unity (OAU)]
Assistance in fight against colonialism
Financial assistance for certain developmental projects
Unity and peace with other African states
Promotion of sports and culture among countries
Larger market size for local products
(iii) Benefits from The Commonwealth of Nations
Improvement of education
Promotion of sports and culture
Promotion of democracy and good governance
Facilitation of trade with other member countries
Technology transfer
(iv) Benefits from The United Nations Organization (UNO)
Loans and grants from the IMF and the World Bank to support development projects
Health delivery services provided by the WHO
International recognition as a result of our membership of the UNO
Rural developmental projects by the UNDP
Food and Agricultural developmental programmes by the FAO
Employment of Ghanaians at the UNO and its specialised agencies
Support for Ghana’s democracy by supply of international observers during general elections
3. 3. (a) Describe the formation of relief rainfall.
3. (b) Mention two areas in Ghana which experiences relief rainfall.
(c) List two benefits of rainfall.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 3
3. (a)
Air mass / wind blows towards a highland / mountain
The air mass is forced upwards on the windward side
The rising air cools (adiabatic cooling) and condenses to form cumulus clouds
The cumulus clouds develop into cumulus congestus then into cumulonimbus clouds as cooling continues
The cumulonimbus clouds condense further and fall as rain
The rain is heavier on the windward side than on the leeward side.
(b)
(i) Aburi
(ii) Akuapem Mampong
(iii) Larteh
(iv) Amedzofe
(v) Kwahu
(vi) Asante Mampong
(c)
(i) Softens the ground for easy ploughing and sowing
(ii) Makes plants grow well
(iii) Provides water for domestic use (bathing, washing, etc.)
(iv) Provides water for irrigation of farms
(v) Makes the weather cooler for greater comfort
(vi) Supplies water to increase the volume of water bodies
4. 4. (a) Identify any four social problems of rapid population growth in Ghana.
4. (b) Suggest any four ways of reducing population growth in Ghana.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 4
4. (a)
(i) Environmental degradation
(ii) Higher Unemployment rate
(iii) Increased traffic jams
(iv) Increased armed robbery
(v) Prostitution
(vi) Quicker spread of diseases
(vii) Teenage pregnancy
(viii) Poverty
(ix) Early marriages
(x) Pressure on social amenities
(xi) Drug abuse
(xii) Higher crime rate
(xiii) Broken homes
(xiv) Congestion / over-crowding
(b)
(i) Encouraging relatively late marriages
(ii) Promoting the use of family planning methods
(iii) Public education on the need to adequately space child bearing
(iv) Check the inflow of immigrants - nationals from other countries
(v) Intensifying education on adolescent reproductive health
(vi) Avoiding teenage and unplanned pregnancies by abstaining from sex or using appropriate contraceptive methods
(vii) Promoting the girl-child education campaign
(viii) Legislation - making laws to control marriage and child birth
5. 5. (a) (i) What is a Non-Governmental Organization?
5. (b) Explain any four contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations to the development of Ghana.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 5
5. (a) (i) A Non-Governmental Organization is an independent organization that is not owned or managed by the government.
(ii)
Plan International
Save The Children
The Hunger Project
Department for International Development (DFID)
World Vision International
Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Action Aid Ghana
Technoserve
United States Agency for International Development
Action on Disability and Development (ADD)
African Youth Alliance (AYA)
(b)
(i) Provision of financial grants to farmers, groups, disabled people, etc.
(ii) Provision of micro credit facilities to farmers, groups, disabled people, etc.
(iii) Promotion of Education by construction of school building, provision of educational materials, scholarships, etc.
(iv) HIV/AIDS sensitization to help check the spread of the disease
(v) Provision of relief services in cases of natural disasters
(vi) Support to the agro-processing industry to boost the agricultural industry
(vii) Provision of potable water (pipe-borne and borehole) for communities
(viii) Construction of health facilities, such as hospitals, polyclinics, health posts, etc., to improve health delivery
(ix) Construction of markets to help with commercial activities
6. 6. (a) (i) What is a state owned enterprise?
6. (b) How can the problems identified in (a) (ii) be solved?
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 6
6. (a) (i) A state owned enterprise is an enterprise that is owned and managed by the government.
(ii)
Low productivity - Many SOEs are producing at levels well below their capacities.
Incompetent and inefficient staff - Some SOEs are staffed with personnel with relatively low levels of training, experience and skills.
Inadequate use of modern / current technology - Many SOEs are still using outmoded technologies, which make work uninteresting and less productive.
Poor working attitude of staff - The working attitudes of many workers in several SOEs are simply destructive (negative).
Political inconsistencies / interference - Each political party that comes to power has different ideas on how the SOEs must be managed. Hence, there is no political consistency.
Insufficient funds / capital - Many SOEs do not have the needed funds to operate at optimum (best / highest) levels.
Bribery, Corruption and Embezzlement - Almost all SOEs in Ghana are perceived to have various levels of bribery, corruption and embezzlement present in them.
Lack of trust by general public - The general public seems to have a low level of trust in SOEs.
Excessive patronage of services - There is excessive patronage of (extreme pressure on) some SOEs products and services due to the affordable rates and the monopoly (‘one man show’) that some of them have.
(b)
(i) Employing workers with the right training, knowledge, skills and attitudes.
(ii) Ensuring the correct use of efficient working tools
(iii) Taking measures to reduce political interference/control
(iv) Applying current / modern technology to increase production
(v) Adequate funding by the state
(vi) Providing regular in-service training and refresher courses for workers
(vii) Motivating workers with various incentives, such as, awards/rewards, scholarships for further studies
(viii) Paying fair wages and salaries to workers
(ix) Ensuring effective and regular supervision, monitoring, assessment and evaluation
(x) Making sure that the working environment is comfortable and conducive for work
(xi) Financial institutions should be more willing to offer more credit facilities for growth and expansion of businesses
(xii) Codes of ethics at workplaces must be studied and applied regularly
(xiii) Ensuring effective management and administration
(xiv) Effective planning and implementation