Ministry of Education reacts to 7 incidents of malpractices recorded on first day of BECE

The Ministry of Education has issued a firm warning over alleged incidents of malpractice in the ongoing 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The caution follows reports from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) that seven cases of examination malpractice were recorded on the very first day of the exams.

The incidents, which involved some teachers and invigilators, occurred across the Central, Bono and Ashanti regions.

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In a statement, education minister Haruna Iddrisu stressed that the responsibility to protect the credibility of the exams rests on everyone; candidates, teachers, headteachers, invigilators and supervisors alike.

He made it clear that strict adherence to the rules is non-negotiable, warning that anyone found breaking them will face serious consequences.

The Ministry did not mince words, describing individuals involved in examination malpractice as “enemies of the state,” and insisted that such acts will be dealt with decisively.

For candidates, the risks are immediate and severe as those caught cheating, whether by carrying unauthorised materials, colluding with others or seeking outside help, could have their results cancelled.

The Ministry warned that anyone who facilitates or turns a blind eye to malpractice could face disciplinary action ranging from interdiction and dismissal to possible prosecution.

To emphasise its seriousness, the Ministry pointed to last year’s enforcement efforts.

Out of 40 individuals caught for their roles in examination malpractice, eight have already been convicted and sentenced, while 32 others are still going through the legal process.

Those convicted have lost their jobs and are being removed from the Ghana Education Service payroll.

As this year’s exams continue, the Ministry says it is working closely with GES, WAEC and security agencies to ensure tighter monitoring across all 2,303 examination centres nationwide.

Additional measures have been put in place to detect and prevent any attempts to compromise the exams.

NA/VPO