The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has reported the arrest of over 15 individuals involved in various examination malpractices during the ongoing 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Ghana. The offenses, which range from the use of mobile phones by candidates to impersonation, collusion, and the leaking of exam materials on social media, have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, WAEC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. John Kapi, outlined the extent of the malpractices, implicating not only students but also teachers, invigilators, and other individuals. “Virtually every day we are receiving new reports of irregularities,” Mr. Kapi stated, noting that a comprehensive report will be released once the examination period concludes.
Widespread Malpractices Across Examination Centers
Among the most alarming incidents was the retrieval of 64 mobile phones from candidates during the elective mathematics paper at the Adventist Day Senior High School in Kumasi. As a result, the examination center was shut down, and candidates were relocated to the WAEC regional office to continue their exams. Similar violations have been reported at various schools, including Yeji Senior High School, Atwima Kwanwoma Presbyterian SHS, and Verbose Royal SHS.
Impersonation has also emerged as a significant issue. In Kasoa, two impersonators were arrested and sentenced to six months in prison each, while their accomplice received an eight-month sentence. At Abura Dunkwa, Ebenazer Fynn was detained for impersonation and is currently under investigation. Similarly, at Abbott College in Asante Bekwai, Mr. Kodua Desmond was apprehended, arraigned, and remanded in police custody for two weeks.
Involvement of Teachers and Invigilators
The involvement of teachers and invigilators in facilitating malpractices has further compounded the issue. At King James SHS, an invigilator, Mr. Enes Frimpong, was caught with a mobile phone containing snapshots of exam questions and answers. In Kukurantumi, the proprietor of Christian School and a teacher were arrested for creating a WhatsApp group to distribute exam questions and solutions to students. Additionally, a former national service person, Patrick Essel, was apprehended for assisting a candidate in copying solutions from his phone, with investigations revealing that an assistant supervisor, Michael Boating, was managing a platform to distribute the answers.
Mr. Kapi revealed that some invigilators caught aiding candidates have already faced legal consequences, with a few sentenced to six months in prison. “Those who have engaged in criminal activity are being pursued by the police, and the law will take its course,” he emphasized.
WAEC’s Response and Sanctions
WAEC has vowed to uphold the credibility of the WASSCE, stating that the entries of all candidates implicated in malpractices will be nullified, and no results will be released to them. The Council condemned the increasing acts of dishonesty, describing them as a threat to the integrity of Ghana’s education system. “We are committed to applying strict sanctions to ensure the credibility of the examinations is not compromised,” Mr. Kapi reiterated.
Despite the rising cases of malpractice, WAEC assured the public that the exams are proceeding without security threats, even in conflict-prone areas. Candidates are reportedly writing in safe and conducive environments.
A Call for Integrity
The widespread malpractices in the 2025 WASSCE highlight a troubling trend involving students, educators, and examination officials. WAEC’s swift response, including arrests, prosecutions, and the nullification of results, underscores its determination to safeguard the examination process. However, the involvement of teachers and invigilators raises questions about the broader challenges facing Ghana’s education system.
As investigations continue and more cases are uncovered, WAEC’s efforts to curb malpractices will be closely watched. The Council’s commitment to maintaining high standards serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity in education, with the hope that such measures will deter future violations and restore confidence in the WASSCE.
