The Member of Parliament for Pru East, Hon. Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of examination malpractice in his constituency and across the country. Addressing Parliament, he questioned the Minister of Education on the concrete measures being implemented to prevent exam malpractices and the frequent cancellation of examination papers, particularly at the BECE and WASSCE levels. He stressed that such cancellations negatively affect students in Pru East and nationwide.
Responding to the concerns, the Minister of Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, explained that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is mandated to conduct credible examinations and uphold the integrity of the assessment process. He emphasized that every child deserves a fair and trustworthy examination system, which is essential for educational quality and national development.
Hon. Iddrisu noted that examination cancellations occur only after thorough investigations reveal concrete evidence of collusion, the use of foreign materials, impersonation, or the use of unauthorized electronic devices. He assured the House that WAEC is working closely with the Ghana Education Service (GES) to curb these challenges through public sensitization, randomization of test papers, enhanced security at printing facilities, stronger collaboration with law enforcement for arrests and prosecutions, and increased deployment of supervisors.
The Minister further revealed a worrying rise in phone-related exam malpractices, where students smuggle mobile devices into examination halls. He described the trend as troubling and detrimental to the integrity of Ghana’s examination system. According to him, WAEC routinely notifies schools under investigation for unacceptable conduct and proceeds with sanctions once evidence is confirmed. He added that in some cases, entire towns or schools may be deemed unfit to host examinations due to persistent malpractice.
Hon. Iddrisu emphasized that both the government and assessment institutions take the issue seriously. As part of long-term measures, he disclosed that the Ministry is revising the curriculum from kindergarten to primary levels to incorporate lessons on integrity and ethics. The goal, he said, is to nurture young Ghanaians who appreciate the values of patriotism, responsibility, and honesty.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Emmanuel Anyigba
