BECE 2026: EAI condemns invigilators’ role in examination malpractice

The Educate Africa Institute (EAI) has raised concerns over reported cases of examination malpractice involving some invigilators during the first day of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to information available to the institute, "seven invigilators were arrested across the Central, Bono and Ashanti Regions for various offences.

"Five of the cases involved the use of mobile phones, while two invigilators were reportedly caught preparing answers intended for distribution to candidates in examination halls."

Executive Director of EAI, William Boadi, described the situation as deeply troubling in a statement on May 4, 2026, stressing that individuals entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of examinations must not be the ones compromising it.

He cautioned that discipline is essential in the education system, warning that failure to enforce rules today could have long-term consequences.

He noted that such conduct undermines years of efforts by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders who have consistently sensitized the public on the dangers of examination malpractice.

EAI further warned that the involvement of invigilators in malpractice erodes public confidence in Ghana’s education system and sets a negative example for candidates, many of whom view invigilators as role models.

While acknowledging that the examination process has generally been smooth nationwide, the institute pointed out that there were some logistical challenges, including delays in the distribution of examination materials in parts of the Western Region.

The institute is therefore calling for swift and decisive action against all those found culpable, emphasising the need for strict enforcement of sanctions to serve as a deterrent.

It also stressed the importance of strengthening monitoring and supervision across examination centres, alongside continuous professional and ethical reorientation for teachers and invigilators.

In addition, EAI underscored the need for stronger collaboration between WAEC, security agencies and community stakeholders to protect the credibility of the examination process.

EAI emphasised that safeguarding the integrity of public examinations is a shared responsibility and must be treated with utmost seriousness, adding that any attempt to subvert the system should be met with firm and decisive action.

AM

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