WAEC flags rising exam malpractice in Bono, Bono East, Ahafo Regions
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has revealed alarming increases in examination malpractice cases, particularly in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions. At a recent stakeholders’ engagement in Accra, WAEC disclosed that in 2023 alone, these three regions recorded the highest number of candidates—18,504—involved in various forms of malpractice.
Mr. Daniel Nii Dodoo, Head of Humanities and Test Development Division at WAEC, provided a detailed overview during the meeting, which brought together officials from the Ghana Education Service, Ministry of Education, Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), and regional supervisors to tackle the growing challenge.
He noted that while the Ashanti region continues to be a critical area for intervention with 17,633 candidates implicated in malpractice in 2023, the Central Region, though having fewer cases, has seen a worrying upward trend.
WAEC’s data shows a disturbing national rise in examination malpractices over the past three years. In 2021, 29,291 candidates were involved, followed by a sharp increase to 44,586 in 2022. The trend has continued in 2023, with thousands of candidates caught engaging in malpractice activities such as bringing foreign materials into exam halls (3,667 candidates), using mobile phones (908 candidates), collusion (478 candidates), impersonation (37 cases), and even a reported assault on supervisors.
Mr. Dodoo warned that examination malpractice is not just an academic issue but poses serious threats to national security by undermining the integrity of educational institutions and eroding public trust.
“We must confront the pervasive nature of this malpractice and its serious implications for our national security,” he said.
He attributed the rise in malpractice to a complex mix of socio-economic pressures, a culture of impunity, and weak regulatory frameworks. According to Mr. Dodoo, the menace threatens governance, educational policies, and could fuel social unrest and youth radicalisation.
The WAEC official called for collective action, urging all stakeholders—including the media—to raise awareness, conduct investigative reporting, and highlight success stories in combating the problem.
Dr. Rosemond Wilson, Head of the National Office at WAEC, emphasised that the meeting was more than just discussion. She urged stakeholders to unite efforts to halt the erosion of examination credibility, protect academic standards, and safeguard students’ futures.
“Together, we have the capacity to combat this menace and restore trust in our educational system,” Dr. Wilson said.
