Three BECE invigilators nabbed in exam leak probe
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Three invigilators overseeing the just-ended 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Ashanti Region have been arrested and granted bail for alleged exam malpractice.
The arrests took place at separate exam centers in Twedie and Mampong after tip-offs triggered action by security personnel working with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
According to Mr. Ernest Akoto Yeboah, Ashanti Regional Controller of WAEC, the suspects were found with photocopied answer sheets and images of exam questions on their mobile phones, a clear violation of exam rules. Some candidates were also reportedly caught with similar unauthorized materials, suggesting a potential coordinated effort to compromise the exams’ integrity.
“The invigilators were caught with materials that they should not have had access to during the examination. In some instances, their mobile phones contained snapshots of live examination papers,” Mr. Yeboah disclosed.
The three individuals were handed over to police and later released on bail pending further investigation. WAEC has submitted an official report to its headquarters in Accra, and a disciplinary committee there will determine appropriate sanctions.
“We are preparing our report on these cases and have forwarded it to Accra. The committee in Accra will review the report and decide on the next steps. As for next year’s exams, we will address that afterward,” he said.
WAEC emphasized its commitment to preserving the integrity of the BECE, a critical exam determining placement into senior high schools. The Council expressed deep concern over the rising trend of malpractice, especially when facilitated by those responsible for maintaining exam fairness.
The BECE, which began on Wednesday, June 11, and ended on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, was taken by more than 600,000 candidates across the country.
WAEC is expected to announce further actions in the coming weeks as investigations continue.
