Study Finds Increase in WASSCE Malpractice

A recent study has uncovered a concerning increase in examination malpractice across the country.

Covering the period from 2021 to 2023, the study revealed a notable rise in the percentage of candidates engaged in malpractice, climbing from two percent in 2021 to 10 percent by 2023.

Presenting these findings at a seminar organized by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for stakeholders, Kwaku Dankwa, Acting Head of WAEC’s Accra Research Department, highlighted the alarming scale of the issue. In 2021, over 10,000 candidates were implicated in malpractice, a figure that surged to 44,586 by 2023.

The study identified collusion, use of foreign materials and mobile phones in examination halls, and impersonation as prevalent forms of malpractice. It also noted that malpractice was more widespread in certain regions such as Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, Central, and Eastern regions.

Despite WAEC’s implementation of punitive measures—such as result cancellations and candidate disqualification—the study found that malpractice continued to persist.

The study proposed several measures to combat examination malpractice, including the use of metal detectors, transitioning to computer-based examinations, serializing examination questions, and ensuring timely payment of supervisors and invigilators.

During the seminar, stakeholders advocated for a collaborative approach to tackle the issue, stressing the importance of finding sustainable solutions. Respondents from the study also recommended that WAEC shift from paper-based to computer-based exams and implement CCTV surveillance in examination centers.

Additionally, there were suggestions to prevent supervisors from working in their own schools. However, the study’s findings and recommendations have raised concerns about the integrity of Ghana’s education system, underscoring the necessity for stakeholders to unite in combating examination malpractice and upholding the credibility of WAEC certificates.

Expressing concern over this escalating trend, Emmanuel Brew, Director of Administration at WAEC, spoke on behalf of Registrar Puteh Bah.

He emphasized that WAEC is taking a decisive stance on addressing the persistent issue of examination malpractice through a thorough study aimed at understanding and mitigating the problem.

“This study marks a pioneering effort in Ghana to tackle the challenge of examination malpractice, which undermines global confidence in our examinations—a situation we cannot afford,” he stated.

The research, intended to evaluate WAEC’s operational effectiveness and devise strategies to combat malpractice, engaged stakeholders across various sectors.

“We sought external perspectives to ensure thoroughness,” he added. He noted that the study’s findings and recommendations would be acted upon promptly to address identified issues.

“This research provides empirical evidence to refine our operations,” he concluded.