BECE 2021 Social Studies Past Questions and Answers

Solution: District Assemblies are responsible for local projects such as school buildings, feeder roads, and clinics. Trunk roads, which are major highways, are typically constructed and maintained by the central government or national agencies.

Solution: Ineffective birth control measures contribute to high birth rates because they limit the ability to plan or space pregnancies. The other options either reduce birth rates (A) or are unrelated (B, D).

Solution: Joint stock companies raise capital by selling shares to the public, while partnerships, sole proprietorships, and co-operative societies do not typically use this method.

Solution: Financial savings refer to personal savings or deposits, not a business enterprise. The other options are all types of business organizations.

Solution: A well-planned layout facilitates efficient movement and utility supply, unlike haphazard or overly compact/linear layouts, which may create challenges.

Solution: Recycling is the most sustainable method as it reduces waste and conserves resources, unlike dumping, burning, or burying, which can harm the environment.

Solution: Peace and stability create an environment conducive to long-term development. Untapped resources, unskilled labor, or graduates alone are insufficient without stability.

Solution: Land disputes are a source of conflict, whereas forgiveness, mediation, and reconciliation are methods to resolve conflicts.

Solution: Cocoa is a major export crop, and its production primarily aims to earn foreign exchange for the country.

Solution: Sole proprietorships are the simplest and most common business form, requiring minimal legal formalities compared to partnerships, joint stock companies, or co-operatives.

Solution: Ghana shares its western border with Côte d'Ivoire. Burkina Faso is to the north, Togo to the east, and Nigeria is not directly adjacent.

Solution: Reducing taxes on imported goods can lead to increased imports, which may harm local industries and result in job losses. The other options promote economic activity.

Solution: Modern technology (e.g., machinery, improved seeds) directly enhances agricultural productivity, while the other options are supportive but not as impactful.

Solution: International cooperation enables Ghana to access funds for development projects. The other options are either negative (B) or less directly related to cooperation benefits.

Solution: Productivity measures the efficiency of labor, typically calculated as output per worker.

Solution: Amnesty is a formal pardon granted to individuals for offenses, often for political reasons. The other terms do not describe this concept.

Solution: A sketched map typically includes a title, key, and scale. A landmark is a specific feature on the ground, not a standard component of a sketched map.

Solution: Overdependence on foreign assistance contradicts self-reliance. The other options promote local capacity and independence.

Solution: The sun over the Tropic of Capricorn (December) marks summer in the southern hemisphere due to direct sunlight.

Solution: Religious tolerance fosters harmony among diverse groups, directly promoting national unity. The other options are supportive but less central.

Solution: Latitudes and longitudes provide a coordinate system to pinpoint locations on maps. The other options involve other map features.

Solution: In flat valleys, rivers flow slowly and erode sideways, forming meanders. Steep valleys (B) or vertical erosion (C) would prevent this.

Solution: A youthful population has a high proportion of children (0-14 years), which is characteristic of Ghana.

Solution: The Paramount Chief is the highest authority in traditional governance structures in Ghana.

Solution: The 1948 riots heightened political consciousness and accelerated the independence movement. The other options are either incorrect or incomplete.

Solution: Cholera spreads through contaminated water; improved sanitation is the primary preventive measure.

Solution: Public corporations typically manage essential utilities like water, electricity, and transportation.

Solution: The symbol described (a cross) usually represents a church on topographical maps.

Solution: Formal education was introduced during colonization and remains a lasting benefit. The other options are either neutral (A, C) or negative (D).

Solution: Dictatorship undermines stability by suppressing participation, unlike freedom of speech, democracy, or transparency.

Solution: The Sagrenti War was a conflict between the British and the Asante Empire.

Solution: The provided options are inaccurate. Ghana's latitude ranges from about 4°N to 12°N.

Solution: Public education fosters discipline by instilling values and awareness. The other options may not address the root causes.

Solution: Public corporations are state-owned enterprises managing key industries.

Solution: The executive branch executes and enforces laws/policies, while interpretation (A) and lawmaking (B) are roles of the judiciary and legislature, respectively.

Solution: Kintampo is renowned for its waterfalls, a major tourist site.

Solution: Civic responsibility includes ethical behavior and adherence to societal norms.

Solution: Tolerance fosters acceptance of diversity, which is key to national unity.

Solution: Valleys are landforms created by erosion or geological processes, unrelated to coasts. Cliffs, beaches, and tides are coastal features.

Solution: Tolerance of opposing views encourages dialogue and reduces conflict. Banning newspapers (C) or centralizing power (D) may exacerbate tensions.