BECE 2012 Social Studies Past Questions and Answers

Solution: Indiscipline leads to reduced productivity because when people lack self-control and proper conduct, they cannot work effectively or efficiently, which ultimately affects the overall output and development of society.

Solution: Primary activities involve the direct extraction or harvesting of natural resources. Cocoa cultivation is agriculture, which is a primary economic activity. The other options are secondary activities (manufacturing/processing).

Solution: Historical accounts suggest that the Akan people migrated southward from the Old Ghana Empire (ancient Ghana) in West Africa, settling in present-day Ghana around the 11th-13th centuries.

Solution: The Coat-of-arms is the official heraldic symbol of a sovereign state and represents Ghana's independence and sovereignty. While the flag is important, the coat-of-arms is the primary symbol of statehood in official documents and international recognition.

Solution: River blindness (onchocerciasis) is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through blackflies that breed in polluted water bodies. Cholera is waterborne but caused by contaminated water rather than pollution, while asthma is air-related and Hepatitis B is blood-borne.

Solution: The International Date Line is located at approximately 180° longitude. When crossing this line, travelers either gain or lose a full day depending on the direction of travel.

Solution: In traditional Ghanaian society, chastity (sexual purity) is highly valued for adolescents as it is associated with moral uprightness, respect for cultural values, and preparation for responsible adulthood.

Solution: Belief in demonic activities can hinder development by discouraging rational thinking, scientific approaches to problem-solving, and may lead to fear-based decision making that impedes progress.

Solution: Without seeing the specific symbol referenced, based on the answer key, this particular symbol represents marshy areas on topographic maps, which are typically shown with special symbols indicating wetland conditions.

Solution: On relief maps, brown colors typically represent higher elevations such as mountains and hills. The darker the brown, the higher the elevation, following standard cartographic conventions.

Solution: A plain is defined as an extensive area of flat or gently rolling lowland. It is characterized by minimal elevation changes over large areas, making it distinct from valleys, ridges, or plateaus.

Solution: Sahel woodland is found in the Sahel region north of Ghana, in countries like Mali and Niger. Ghana's vegetation zones include Guinea savanna, mangrove forests along the coast, and tropical rainforests in the south.

Solution: The south-western part of Ghana is characterized by tropical rainforest vegetation due to high rainfall and favorable climatic conditions in this region.

Solution: A lunar eclipse occurs when the Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, casting Earth's shadow on the Moon. This can only happen during a full moon phase.

Solution: Frontal rainfall occurs when two air masses of different temperatures meet, with the warmer, lighter air being forced to rise over the cooler, denser air, leading to condensation and precipitation.

Solution: Antarctica has no permanent human population due to its extremely harsh climate conditions, though it has temporary research stations with rotating scientific staff.

Solution: Rural-urban drift leads to family separation when some members migrate to cities while others remain in rural areas, resulting in broken homes and family disintegration in rural communities.

Solution: People migrate from rural to urban areas primarily seeking better employment opportunities and higher income potential that cities typically offer compared to rural areas.

Solution: The British colonized Asante through military force, particularly after the Anglo-Asante wars, culminating in the defeat of the Asante kingdom and the establishment of British colonial rule.

Solution: The right to life is a fundamental human right that means every person has the right to live without unlawful interference or threat to their existence from others or the state.

Solution: Judicial independence means judges must be free from political pressure or interference to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice based solely on law and evidence.

Solution: Inadequate law enforcement can lead to conflicts as disputes may not be properly resolved through legal channels, leading to people taking matters into their own hands.

Solution: The United Nations Organisation (UN) was established in 1945 after World War II to replace the League of Nations and maintain international peace and security.

Solution: As a former British colony, Ghana automatically became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations upon gaining independence in 1957, maintaining ties with other former British territories.

Solution: The executive branch consists of the President, Cabinet ministers, and civil servants who implement and execute government policies and programs.

Solution: Tolerance and dialogue promote understanding between different ethnic groups, helping to resolve differences peacefully and prevent conflicts from escalating.

Solution: Family planning helps families manage their resources better by having children they can adequately provide for, leading to more equitable distribution of family income and improved living standards.

Solution: Training and retraining workers improves their skills, knowledge, and efficiency, leading to increased productivity rather than simply working longer hours.

Solution: Salting is a traditional preservation method used in Ghana where salt is applied to fish to remove moisture and prevent bacterial growth, allowing for longer storage without refrigeration.

Solution: Misappropriation (misuse) of state resources through corruption diverts funds meant for development projects, infrastructure, and social services, thereby hindering economic growth.

Solution: Insurance protects businesses against various risks and losses, ensuring they can continue operations even after suffering damages or setbacks by providing compensation.

Solution: Tourism specifically refers to traveling to different places to see attractions, experience culture, and enjoy scenery for recreational purposes.

Solution: The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) in Ghana requires workers to contribute a portion of their earnings for retirement benefits and future financial security.

Solution: A constitution is the supreme or highest law of a country that establishes the framework of government and defines fundamental rights and principles that all other laws must conform to.

Solution: A well-planned settlement layout provides adequate space allocation, proper zoning, and organized development that prevents overcrowding and ensures better living conditions.

Solution: Paying taxes is a civic responsibility of citizens as taxes fund government services, infrastructure development, and public amenities that benefit society.

Solution: Citizens need to be educated about their rights to know what protections they have under the law and how to exercise or defend these rights when necessary.

Solution: Dr. J.B. Danquah was one of the founding members of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), which was formed in 1947 to fight for Ghana's independence from British colonial rule.

Solution: The legislature (Parliament) has the primary constitutional function of making laws for the country. Other functions include oversight of the executive and budget approval, but law-making is the core function.

Solution: Shareholders receive dividends, which are payments made by companies to their shareholders from the company's profits. Dividends represent the shareholder's portion of the company's earnings.