The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised alarm over rising incidents of examination malpractice in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions, which have consistently topped national records for cheating in both basic and secondary school exams between 2021 and 2023.

Speaking at the National Stakeholders Conference on Examination Malpractices, Head of Humanities at WAEC, Daniel Nii Dodoo, described the trend as deeply troubling, warning that it threatens the credibility of Ghana’s education system.

“This trend is worrying and calls for urgent intervention,” Mr. Dodoo stressed, urging policymakers, educators, parents, and communities to take decisive action to curb the menace.

His concerns were echoed by WAEC Ghana’s Head, Dr. Rosemond Wilson, who delivered a passionate plea for nationwide collaboration to fight exam cheating.

“Certificates must reflect hard work and true merit, not dishonest shortcuts,” she said.

Dr. Wilson warned that the continued tolerance of malpractice could lead to the production of ill-prepared professionals in critical fields such as healthcare and education.

Despite these challenges, WAEC has assured the public of its readiness to deliver a smooth and credible 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which begins this month

According to WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, extensive sensitisation campaigns have been carried out for candidates, supervisors, invigilators, and education officials across the country.

“We are prepared and confident that all stakeholders understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure a fair and credible examination,” Mr. Kapi said.

As the examination season kicks off, WAEC reiterated its commitment to upholding exam integrity and called for a united national front to confront and eliminate examination malpractice.