BECE 2006 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 slave trade became largely unprofitable from the early 1800s due to
Solution: The Industrial Revolution in Europe introduced machinery that reduced the demand for manual labor, making the slave trade less economically viable compared to industrial production methods.
2. The migration routes of the Guan are traced to an area around the
Solution: Historical evidence suggests that the Guan people migrated from areas around the Volta basin, which is central to their origin and settlement patterns in Ghana.
3. Which of the following workers are involved in primary production
Solution: Miners extract natural resources directly from the earth, which is a primary production activity. Goldsmiths, accountants, and carpenters engage in secondary or tertiary activities involving processing or services.
4. The Sagrenti War of 1874 was fought between the
Solution: The Sagrenti War (1873–1874) was a conflict between the Asante Kingdom and the British, led by Sir Garnet Wolseley (referred to as "Sagrenti" in local accounts), over control of trade routes and territory.
5. The symbol of political authority among the northern people of Ghana is the
Solution: Among the northern ethnic groups of Ghana, such as the Dagomba and Mamprusi, animal skins (e.g., leopard or lion skins) are used as symbols of chiefly authority, unlike stools or swords used elsewhere.
6. The most common way of becoming a citizen of a country is by
Solution: Citizenship by birth is the most common method globally, as individuals are typically granted citizenship of the country where they are born or where their parents are citizens.
7. The Foo festival is celebrated by the people of
Solution: The Foo festival is celebrated by the people of Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana, marking the end of the farming season and honoring ancestors.
8. Conflicts in our schools can be solved peacefully through
Solution: Negotiation and mediation involve dialogue and compromise, which are effective and peaceful methods for resolving conflicts in schools, unlike punitive measures or external interventions.
9. Which of the following professionals are associated with the legal system in Ghana?
Solution: Lawyers are directly involved in the legal system as they represent clients, interpret laws, and participate in court proceedings, unlike the other professionals listed.
10. The hardest mineral is
Solution: Diamond is the hardest naturally occurring mineral, rated 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, far surpassing gold, copper, and tin.
11. Latitude 23½° South is also known as
Solution: The latitude 23½° South is called the Tropic of Capricorn, marking the southern boundary where the sun is directly overhead during the December solstice.
12. If Afua Asantewaa is a judge, then she contributes to
Solution: Judges in Ghana interpret the constitution and laws, ensuring their application in legal cases, rather than making laws, administering land, or formulating policies.
13. Which of the following festivals has helped to conserve wildlife?
Solution: The Aboakyer festival, celebrated by the Effutu people, involves capturing a live antelope, which promotes wildlife conservation by emphasizing the protection of animals rather than killing them.
14. One of the causes of desertification is
Solution: Overgrazing by livestock removes vegetation cover, leading to soil erosion and desertification, unlike afforestation or reduced population, which can mitigate it.
15. Widowhood rites practised in Ghana should be abolished because
Solution: Some widowhood rites in Ghana involve degrading practices that infringe on the widow’s human rights, such as forced seclusion or physical abuse, justifying calls for their abolition.
16. The diagram above illustrates the
Solution: The question refers to a diagram (not provided), but the answer indicates a lunar eclipse, which occurs when the Earth passes between the sun and moon, casting a shadow on the moon.
17. In which of the regions in Ghana is the Akosombo dam located?
Solution: The Akosombo Dam is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana, on the Volta River, creating Lake Volta, the world’s largest man-made lake by surface area.
18. The guinea worm disease affecting the rural areas can be prevented through the provision of
Solution: Guinea worm disease is transmitted through contaminated water; providing clean, potable water prevents infection, making it the most effective preventive measure.
19. Which of the following Ghanaian heads of state passed the Preventive Detention Act?
Solution: Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, passed the Preventive Detention Act in 1958, allowing detention without trial to maintain national security.
20. A draft law is also known as
Solution: A draft law presented to parliament for consideration is called a bill, which, if passed and assented to, becomes legislation.
21. Which of the following is an example of sedimentary rock?
Solution: Chalk is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of mineral and organic particles over time, unlike marble, granite, or gneiss, which are metamorphic or igneous rocks.
22. Which of the following cultural practices undermines girl-child education in Ghana?
Solution: The Trokosi practice, where girls are sent to shrines to atone for family sins, often prevents them from attending school, directly undermining their education.
23. The township of Asuabena has an aged population of 1,000 and a youthful population of 4,000. Which of the following amenities should be given the highest priority?
Solution: With a large youthful population (4,000), recreational facilities are a priority to engage young people, promote physical activity, and reduce social vices.
24. An imaginary line that divides the earth into two hemispheres is called the
Solution: The equator is an imaginary line at 0° latitude that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
25. The bilateral co-operation between Ghana and Nigeria helps Ghana to import one of the following commodities on credit:
Solution: Ghana imports crude oil from Nigeria under bilateral agreements, often on credit terms, to support its energy needs and refining at Tema Oil Refinery.
26. Which of the following institutions can make laws to check smuggling and armed robbery in Ghana?
Solution: Parliament is the legislative body in Ghana responsible for making laws, including those to address crimes like smuggling and armed robbery.
27. In which vegetation zone is an oasis found
Solution: An oasis is a fertile area in a desert where water is available, supporting vegetation and human settlement, unlike other vegetation zones listed.
28. Which of the following state-owned enterprises is most vital to Ghana's development?
Solution: Tema Oil Refinery processes crude oil into petroleum products, critical for energy supply, industrial growth, and economic development in Ghana.
29. Industrial areas are sited outside residential estates because
Solution: Industries are located outside residential areas to minimize the impact of pollution, such as noise, air, and waste, on human health and living conditions.
30. Which of the following political events occurred first in the history of Ghana
Solution: The Fante Confederation was formed in 1868, earlier than the Poll Tax Ordinance (1852), the Lands Bill (1890s), and the CPP (1949).
31. The prairie provinces in Canada are noted for the production of
Solution: Canada’s prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) are known for large-scale wheat production, a staple crop for domestic and export markets.
32. Argentina is one of the major producers of
Solution: Argentina is a leading global producer of cattle, with its beef industry being a significant contributor to its economy and exports.
33. Which of the following factors least affects vegetation in Ghana?
Solution: Relief (topography) has a lesser impact on Ghana’s vegetation compared to climate, soil, and human activities like farming and deforestation, which directly shape vegetation patterns.
34. The Ashanti came under British colonial rule through
Solution: The Ashanti Kingdom was subjugated by the British through military conquest, notably after the Anglo-Asante Wars, culminating in the 1900–1901 conflict.
35. Which of the following was formed in the year 1947? The
Solution: The United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) was formed in 1947 to advocate for self-government, predating the CPP (1949) and the Watson and Coussey Committees (1948–1949).
36. Which of the following is a continent as well as a country?
Solution: Australia is both a continent and a country, unlike Asia, Africa, or America, which are continents comprising multiple countries.
37. To become a member of the United Nations Organization, a country has to
Solution: A country must be a sovereign, independent state to be eligible for UN membership, as outlined in the UN Charter, Article 4.
38. Foreigners in Ghana enjoy all the following rights except that of
Solution: Foreigners in Ghana have rights to expression, worship, and association, but voting is reserved for Ghanaian citizens as per the 1992 Constitution.
39. The rotation of the earth on its axis causes
Solution: The Earth’s rotation on its axis every 24 hours causes the alternation of day and night, as different parts face the sun or are in shadow.
40. Which of the following factors help a nation to develop?
Solution: Internal peace and security (I) and a healthy economy (III) are critical for national development, enabling stability and resource allocation, while international games and large populations alone do not guarantee development.
1. 1. (a) Describe the stages of law-making by parliament in Ghana.
1. (b) State three features of a good law.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 1
1. (a)
(i) The clerk of Parliament reads a bill (a proposed law) to Parliament - (first reading)
(ii) Copies of the bill are made and distributed to members of parliament
(iii) The second reading of the bill is done, and the floor opened for discussion and debate of the bill by members of parliament - (second reading)
(iv) The speaker then refers the bill to the appropriate committee to study and make recommendations to Parliament.
(v) The committee, after the study, presents a draft report on the bill to parliament.
(vi) The speaker tables a motion in the House for the bill to be read the third time - (third reading)
(vii) The draft bill is debated / discussed once more by members of parliament.
(viii) The necessary changes / modifications of the bill are made
(ix) Members then vote 'yes' or 'no' to accept or reject the bill by a simple majority
(x) If accepted, the draft bill is then forwarded to the Attorney-General's department for it to be written in legal language.
(xi) The bill is then sent to the President of the Republic of Ghana for him to sign.
(xii) The President signs the bill to make it a law
(xiii) The law is then gazetted in the law books of Ghana.
(b) (i) It must be applicable to everyone
(ii) It should be enforceable by the enforcing agents
(iii) It must be in the interest of the people
(iv) It must be clear - quite easy to understand.
(v) It must be reasonable, i.e., it must be neither too harsh nor too relaxed
(vi) It must be publicized and made known to the people
2. 2. (a) Identify any four causes of the 1948 riots.
2. (b) Outline any three recommendations of the Watson Commission.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 2
2. (a) (i) The shooting and killing of 3 ex-servicemen on 28th February 1948 at the Christianborg crossroad while on a march to the Osu Castle to present a petition to the Governor
(ii) The difficulties (no jobs, no pension allowance, no homes) of the ex-service men.
(iii) The Alan Burns Constitution was not favourable, because it did not offer enough opportunity (seats) for local (Ghanaian) participation in the legislative and executive councils.
(iv) There were insufficient facilities for education and health
(v) The introduction of Conditional Sales (forced buying of unneeded items, before buying what was actually needed)
(vi) The widely held belief that the white man was superior to the black man was shattered during the world war as Ghanaian soldier fought alongside British soldier.
(vii) Employment difficulties for school leavers
(viii) Cutting down of cocoa trees that had been affected by the swollen shoot disease
(ix) High prices of essential commodities, which was caused by general shortage
(x) The monopoly and other negative practices of the Association of West African Merchants (AWAM) made several African businesses suffer and hence brought great economic hardships to the local people.
(b) (i) The promises made to the ex-servicemen should be granted
(ii) The natives of Gold Coast (Ghanaians) must be given higher representation in the general administration of the country
(iii) More social amenities like housing, potable water must be provided to the people
(iv) A new constitution must be introduced to address the shortcomings of the Burns constitution and also as a step towards independence
(v) Education must be improved at the primary, middle and secondary levels by establishing more schools to train more people.
3. 3. (a) In what four ways is the forest vegetation important to the Ghanaian?
3. (b) State three ways by which the forest can be preserved.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 3
3. (a)
(i) Provides timber, which serves as raw material for both local and foreign wood industries
(ii) The nation obtains foreign exchange from the export of timber, which is gotten from the rain forest.
(iii) Provides raw materials for the crafts industry, e.g., cane for basket weaving.
(iv) Most of the trees are used for medicinal purposes (as herbs)
(v) Serves as a habitat for wild animals and other living organisms
(vi) Serves as a protection for some rivers - keeps them from drying up
(vii) Source of food - some trees produce fruits and leaves which are edible.
(viii) Supports the cultivation of some crops, such as cocoa, rubber, etc.
(ix) Provides employment for timber merchants, farmers, herbalists, etc.
(x) Supports the tourism industry - Serves as tourist attraction sites
(xi) Provides wood for energy - firewood and charcoal
(b) (i) Planting more trees to replace ones that have been cut down / felled - (Reforestation)
(ii) Ensuring that only trees of a certain minimum size can be felled - (Controlled felling)
(iii) Empowering government agencies responsible for forest preservation to work more efficiently (e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency and The Forestry Commission)
(iv) Making and enforcing laws that seek to preserve the forests (Legislation)
(v) Planting trees to create a forest - (Afforestation)
(vi) Prosecuting / penalizing offenders who flout the forest preservation laws / by-laws / ethics to serve as a deterrent to others.
(vii) Creating forest reserves - forests that are kept from human exploitation
(viii) Preventing overgrazing by cattle and other animals
(ix) Preventing bushfires by public education and other measures
(x) Planting trees on farms for various reasons - (Agroforestry)
4. 4. (a) Identify four negative effects of rural-urban migration on the villages of Ghana.
4. (b) Suggest any three ways of reducing rural-urban migration in Ghana.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 4
4. (a)
(i) It brings about population decrease.
(ii) It reduces the workforce / human resource supply in the villages
(iii) It causes broken homes and families
(iv) It causes low yields from agriculture and other economic ventures
(v) It leads to reduced food supply
(vi) It slows down the rate of development
(vii) It encourages promiscuity (casual sexual habits), due to absence of spouses (husbands or wives)
(viii) It can promote the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) due to increased promiscuity
(ix) It can lead to increased waywardness of children, in cases of absent parents or guardians.
(x) It may cause a breakdown in the cultural / traditional systems.
(b) (i) Creation of more job opportunities in the rural areas - to encourage those who move from the rural to the urban areas in search of jobs to stay and work in the rural areas and still earn sufficient income to cater for themselves and their families.
(ii) Attractive government incentives for corporate bodies and firms - to entice them to set up branches / agencies of their businesses in the rural areas. Some of these incentives could be tax rebates, tax holidays, manpower training, subsidies, award schemes, etc., which would eventually draw lots of businesses / industries to the rural areas. This should serve as motivation for rural dwellers to stay and work there.
(iii) Provision of more/ better social amenities in rural areas - such as public toilets, schools, potable water, electricity, information and communication services, recreational centres, etc., in the rural areas. This would make life in the rural areas more attractive and interesting. Rural dwellers would therefore be enticed to stay.
(iv) Amendment of negative cultural practices - such as 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. If this is done it would take away the fear that makes some people escape and hence encourage them to stay in the rural areas.
(v) Modernisation of agricultural industry in the rural areas - This ensures higher interest in agriculture as well as increased yield / productivity, which would mean increased financial income for the agriculturists in the rural areas.
(vi) Educating the rural populace on dangers involved with urban migration and opportunities in rural areas - Some of these challenges could be lack of accommodation, lack of employment opportunities, getting of infectious diseases, involvement in social vices due to peer pressure or stress and hence danger of being arrested and being sent to prison, etc. Some of the opportunities in rural areas are ease of accommodation, acquisition of land for business or residence, lesser temptation for social vices, etc.
5. 5. (a) Mention four examples of secondary industries and their locations in Ghana.
5. (b) State four contributions of secondary industries to the economy of Ghana.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 5
5. (a) (i) Oil refinery - Tema
(ii) Breweries - Accra, Kumasi
(iii) Orange / Pineapple Processing - Accra, Nsawam, Kumasi
(iv) Wood Processing - Kumasi, Mim, Oda, Takoradi
(v) Flour mills / Bakery - Takoradi, Tema, Accra
(vi) Textile industry - Tema, Juapong, Akosombo, Accra
(vii) Aluminium industry - Accra, Tema
(viii) Cocoa processing - Accra, Tema, Kumasi
(ix) Rubber processing - Bonsa, Takoradi
(x) Cement industry - Aflao, Takoradi, Tema
(xi) Steel industry - Tema
(xii) Soap/ toiletries industry - Tema, Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi
(xiii) Food Canning - Accra, Tema, Kumasi, Nsawam
(b) (i) Foreign Exchange Conservation - They help the country to earn and conserve foreign exchange - by exporting the secondary products
(ii) Economic Self-Reliance - They reduce the nation’s over-reliance on foreign goods - by producing the goods that the nation would have otherwise imported from other countries
(iii) Value Addition - They add value to the basic / raw materials - which helps to generate more income for both the sector industries and the government.
(iv) Infrastructure Development - They help in the development of infrastructure - as part of their social responsibility programmes, the sector industries may help to provide various forms of infrastructure
(v) Job Creation - They create job opportunities for the people - by employing people with the right skills and training to work in the sector industries.
(vi) Reduction in rural-urban migration - They help to reduce the rural-urban migration - in the cases where production centres or branches or agencies are located in the rural areas.
(vii) Government Revenue Generation - They increase the income to the government - by the payments of taxes and other levies.
(viii) Reduction of post-harvest losses - They help to reduce the margins of post harvest loss - as raw materials are processed into finished and semi-finished products.
6. 6. (a) Identify any four social problems facing Ghana today.
6. (b) For each problem identified in (a) suggest two ways of minimizing it.
SOLUTIONS FOR QUESTION 6
6. (a) (i) Poverty / Unemployment / low standard of living
(ii) Poor health delivery, due to inadequate health facilities, equipment and personnel.
(iii) Deadly diseases/infections, such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Cholera, etc.
(iv) Stigmatization of people living with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS
(v) High rates of accidents, including motor (or vehicular), domestic and industrial.
(vi) High incidence of theft / armed robbery.
(vii) Heavy traffic jams in the urban areas
(viii) Outmoded cultural / traditional practices, such as, female genital mutilation (FGM), widowhood rites, etc.
(ix) Child labour
(x) Overpopulation in urban areas due to rural-urban migration.
(xi) Teenage pregnancy
(xii) Drug abuse
(xiii) High levels of illiteracy
(xiv) Insufficient social amenities
(xv) High political tension
(b) (i) Poverty / Unemployment / low standard of living
- Creation of more and better wealth creation projects
- Educating and encouraging people to save / invest more
- Promoting and facilitating entrepreneurship
(ii) Poor health delivery
- Building more health facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, etc.
- Proper maintenance of health facilities and equipment
- Government providing attractive incentives for health personnel, to motivate them to stay and work in the country
(iii) Deadly diseases/infections, such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Cholera, etc.
- Intensifying education on prevention and control
- Maintaining good sanitation and personal hygiene
- Regular medical checkups / tests and seeking early medical attention
(iv) Stigmatization of people living with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS
- Public education on possible effects of stigmatization on victims
- Letting people interact more with people living with Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as HIV/AIDS
(v) High rates of accidents, including motor (or vehicular), domestic and industrial.
- Ensuring that only well trained and qualified/licensed people are allowed to drive vehicles or operate machines and heavy equipment
- Taking safety precautions (such as wearing seat belts, protective clothing, working fire extinguishers) before starting the process
- Avoiding alcoholism / drunkenness while driving or working
(vi) High incidence of theft / armed robbery.
- Creating more job opportunities for the unemployed youth
- Discouraging the abuse of drugs among the youth.
- Taking more personal security precautions, such as locking all entrances, setting security alarms, employing security personnel / guard dogs, etc.
- The security services embarking on campaigns to seize all unlicensed weapons
- Forming community watchdog groups
- Individuals reporting suspected criminals to the police.
- Resourcing the security services to operate more effectively
- Swift prosecution of suspected offenders
- Sufficient punishments for all guilty persons
(vii) Heavy traffic jams in the urban areas
- Constructing wider roads and expanding the road networks
- Increasing the quantity and improving the quality of mass public transport, such as buses and trains to encourage more people to park their private vehicles and use them.
- Checking the population growth in urban areas by taking steps to reduce the rural-urban migration.
- Encouraging more families, industries and workplaces to relocate to the countryside or less populated areas
(viii) Outmoded cultural / traditional practices, such as, female genital mutilation (FGM), widowhood rites, etc.
- Educating the cultural / traditional leaders on the dangers / negative effects of the practices
- Offering good suggestions on alternatives or modifications of the practices
- Offering incentives to the cultural / traditional leaders to motivate them to either stop or modify the practices.
- Legislation - making and enforcing laws that render the practices or some aspects of it illegal.
(ix) Child labour
- Public education on children’s rights for both children and guardians.
- Educating potential child abusers (parents, teachers, guardians, etc.) on consequences of child abuse on children and society
- Swift prosecution of suspected offenders (child abusers)
- Adequate punishments for all guilty parties.
- Strengthening of organizations and agencies responsible for children’s rights (Ministry for Women and Children, DOVVSU, CHRAJ, etc.) in order for them to function effectively.
(x) Overpopulation in urban areas
- Creation of more job opportunities in the rural areas
- Attractive government incentives for corporate bodies and firms to relocate to the countryside or less populated areas
- Provision of more/ better social amenities in rural areas
- Modification of negative cultural practices
- Modernisation of agricultural industry in the rural areas
- Educating the rural populace on dangers involved with urban migration and opportunities in rural areas.
(xi) Teenage pregnancy
- Abstinence from pre-marital sex by the youth / teenagers.
- Greater love, care and concern by parents / guardians for girl children
- Intensification of Religious and Moral Education in schools and churches
- Teenagers’ avoidance of bad / immoral friends
- Provision of community recreational centres, where the youth can partake in healthy social / recreational activities.
(xii) High levels of illiteracy
- Building of more schools, vocational and technical centres, colleges, etc.
- Enforcing the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) for all children of school-going age.
- Providing free uniforms, feeding and learning materials to all school children who are under-privileged
- Opening of more non-formal education centres to train older illiterates.
(xiii) Insufficient social amenities
- Construction of more and improved social amenities by both the government and charitable non-governmental organisations
- Cultivation of a maintenance culture in the populace by constant education and practice
- Ensuring proper usage and regular maintenance of available social amenities.