2025 BECE: 10 arrested for malpractices
The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana commenced on June 11, 2025, with over 600,000 candidates registered nationwide. However, the examination process has been marred by reports of examination malpractices, raising concerns about the integrity of the assessment system.
Examination Malpractices Reported
According to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), as of the first day of the BECE, 10 cases of examination malpractice were recorded. These incidents involved various forms of misconduct, including collusion, possession of unauthorized materials, and impersonation. Notably, a supervisor was apprehended for taking photographs of the examination questions and sharing them on social media. Additionally, six invigilators were found with mobile phones containing images of the exam questions. A woman, who identified herself as a fashion designer, was caught with photocopied answers intended for distribution to candidates. Among those implicated were a student nurse and an administrator of a private school.
WAEC's Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, confirmed that these individuals have been handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution. He emphasized that such actions are criminal under WAEC law and will be dealt with accordingly. The council has also indicated that results of candidates involved in malpractice may be canceled or withheld pending thorough investigations.
WAEC's Response and Preventive Measures
In response to these incidents, WAEC has intensified its monitoring efforts to curb examination malpractices. The council has deployed personnel to various examination centers to ensure adherence to examination regulations. Additionally, WAEC has collaborated with the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to identify and address potential hotspots for malpractice. These measures aim to maintain the credibility of the examination process and uphold academic integrity.
Furthermore, WAEC has announced plans to review its examination malpractice penalty rules to impose stricter sanctions on offenders. The council's Chairman noted that the current regulations are too lenient and suggested increasing the duration of bans to deter potential wrongdoers. This initiative reflects WAEC's commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its examinations.
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Educational Stakeholders' Involvement
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has also taken steps to address examination malpractices. The GES has pledged to terminate the appointments of teachers found aiding in examination misconduct. This decision underscores the importance of ethical conduct among educators and the need for a collaborative effort to uphold examination standards.
In a related development, the Ministry of Education has commended WAEC for its efforts to combat examination malpractices. The Minister of Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, expressed satisfaction with WAEC's initiatives and pledged continued support to ensure the success of these measures. He highlighted the significance of maintaining the credibility of the BECE, as it serves as a critical assessment for students transitioning to secondary education.
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The reported cases of examination malpractices during the 2025 BECE have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process in Ghana. While WAEC and other educational stakeholders have implemented measures to address these issues, ongoing vigilance and stringent enforcement of examination regulations are essential to uphold the credibility of the BECE. Continued collaboration among WAEC, GES, and other relevant authorities will be crucial in ensuring that the examination process remains fair and transparent, providing all candidates with an equal opportunity to demonstrate their academic abilities.