KEY POINTS
- WASSCE malpractice in Accra
- WAEC official uncovers breach during August 25 inspection
- Invigilator under further investigation after phone seized
On Sunday, claims of cheating shook Ghana’s West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) after officials caught an invigilator with exam questions on his phone.
Dr. Rosemond Wilson, Head of the National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), found out about the breach while on an official tour of exam centers in Accra.
Routine inspection found malpractice
Dr. Wilson noticed that the exam supervisor at Forces Senior High Technical School in Burma Camp dressed improperly, raising concerns of a rule breach. Further checks revealed that his phone contained questions from subjects such as Picture Making and Oral English.
JoyNews’ Adobea Asare, who was there, said that WAEC authorities took the phone right away to look into what had happened.
More people are worried about WASSCE malpractice.
The case brings to light ongoing worries about honesty in Ghana’s education system. Africa Education Watch said in a 2024 report that cheating on exams was one of the biggest dangers to the WASSCE certificate’s integrity and also the ability of students to do well in college.
The first core paper, Social Studies, was due on the same day as the event.
WAEC promises to strictly enforce
According to WAEC rules, invigilators and supervisors cannot bring cell phones or other unapproved items into the test halls. The WAEC Act classifies such infractions as crimes.
WAEC ordered the invigilator to write a report explaining the breach. The council also hinted at a full-scale investigation to trace the source of the stolen questions and identify other people involved.
The school administration should fully help with the investigation.
Keeping the integrity of the test
WAEC has said several times that cheating not only lowers academic standards, but it also puts the future of deserving students at risk. The council said again that it would work with law enforcement to punish anyone who was proven guilty.
