“BECE 2025 Begins with Malpractice Scandal: 10 Suspects Handed Over to Police”

The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which began on Tuesday, June 11, with over 600,000 candidates across Ghana, has already recorded 10 cases of examination malpractice, according to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

The individuals involved have been handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Ghana continues to grapple with widespread exam irregularities during both the BECE and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Common offences include collusion, possession of unauthorized materials, and impersonation—violations that can lead to the cancellation or withholding of results while investigations are conducted.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, revealed troubling details surrounding the recent breaches.

“These 10 individuals have been handed over to law enforcement agencies. Their actions constitute criminal offenses under WAEC regulations, and the police will now handle their prosecution,” Kapi stated.

Among the culprits is a supervisor who allegedly used a mobile phone to take photos of exam questions and shared them on social media. Additionally, six invigilators were caught with phones containing images of the examination papers.

Kapi also reported that a woman, who claimed to be a fashion designer, was found in possession of photocopied answer sheets intended for distribution to students. Other individuals implicated include a student nurse and an administrator from a private school.

WAEC officials responded swiftly, with monitors apprehending persons suspected of attempting to solve questions outside the examination halls and relay the answers to candidates.

“Investigations are ongoing,” Kapi said, adding that the council is still collecting reports from centres that were unreachable on the first day of the exams.

To curb further malpractices, WAEC is collaborating with national security agencies. Kapi mentioned discussions with the National Investigations Bureau in the Ahafo Region, which has promised to deploy personnel to identified high-risk areas.

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has also deployed officers to support monitoring activities nationwide. WAEC has stationed its own personnel at various centres as well.

“We believe the increased security presence will serve as a strong deterrent to those contemplating cheating,” Kapi concluded.