The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has raised an alarm about the increased rate of examination malpractice in this year’s WASSCE.
According to WAEC, this year’s West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE) monitoring teams have uncovered numerous instances of cheating.
The students are involved in impersonation, unauthorised use of mobile phones, and sharing of exam questions and answers.
WASSCE Irregularities
WAEC has listed the following malpractices;
Use of Mobile Phones: Candidates were found carrying mobile phones into exam halls. Some of these candidates use the phones to capture images of questions and seek answers online.
Impersonation of Candidates: Moreover, the monitoring team also revealed that several individuals were caught attempting to take exams for others.
Collaboration Among Invigilators: Finally, some invigilators were caught sharing questions and solutions through digital platforms.
Actions Taken
The Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, revealed that 16 individuals were arrested across various examination centres.
The team also confiscated as many as 64 mobile phones from candidates at a particular examination centre during the Elective Mathematics.
The Arrests
Two individuals at Ghana College in Kasoa were arrested for impersonation, and sentenced to six months ‘ imprisonment. Their accomplice was sentenced to eight months.
Moreover, a proprietor and an invigilator at Christian IPS, Kukurantumi have also been arrested. They are currently assisting the police in investigation for their involvement in creating a WhatsApp group.
Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, condemned the act and said it compromises the examination.
He stated that the examination body will take stringent actions against school authorities who encourage malpractices.
“We condemn these acts of dishonesty on the part of both teachers and candidates and urge all school heads to uphold the trust placed in them by ensuring that their schools stay above reproach.”
