Ghana’s education system is facing renewed scrutiny following warnings that examination malpractice could rise significantly in the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination if urgent corrective measures are not taken.
Speaking at a press conference, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) Kofi Asare raised concerns over the growing trend of irregularities in national examinations, describing the situation as a threat to the credibility of the country’s assessment system.
According to him, data from the 2025 WASSCE shows that 14.8 percent of candidates were involved in examination malpractice, leading to the cancellation of at least one subject result. With nearly 480,000 candidates participating in the examination, this translates into tens of thousands of affected students.
“What is worrying is not just the number, but where the malpractice is happening,” he stated, pointing to a deeper systemic issue within examination centers.
Examination Room Collusion Identified as Key Problem
Mr Asare highlighted that a significant portion of malpractice cases occurred within the examination hall itself. Of the 14.8 percent recorded in 2025, approximately 9.7 percent took place during the examination process, suggesting direct involvement or negligence within supervised environments.
This, he explained, points to what he described as examination room collusion, where candidates and supervisors may be complicit in breaching examination rules.
“It means the bulk of the situation is defined in the examination room,” he noted, emphasizing that the problem is no longer limited to external leakages or pre exam irregularities.
The findings have raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of existing supervision and monitoring systems, particularly the role of school authorities in maintaining examination integrity.
Lack of Sanctions Raises Accountability Concerns
Despite the scale of the problem, Mr Asare expressed concern over the apparent lack of disciplinary action against school authorities. He noted that no school head has been sanctioned in connection with the malpractice cases recorded in 2025.
This absence of accountability, he argued, undermines efforts to curb the problem and could embolden further misconduct. “If we continue not to demand accountability from school leadership, Ghana could be heading towards 20 percent malpractice in 2026,” he warned.
The warning comes as Ghana prepares for the 2026 WASSCE, which is expected to take place in June and will be among the first full scale examinations conducted across West Africa since the disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic.
Call for Stronger Oversight and Sanctions
At the center of Eduwatch’s recommendations is the call for stricter oversight of school heads and examination supervisors. Mr Asare emphasized that school heads play a critical role in ensuring compliance with examination rules.
As supervisors within their institutions, they are responsible for overseeing the conduct of examinations, managing invigilators, and ensuring that proper procedures are followed.
“They are the persons in whose jurisdiction the examination takes place. They also nominate invigilators for approval, so accountability must begin from there.”
Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) Kofi Asare
He proposed that school heads whose institutions recorded particularly high levels of malpractice, especially above 50 percent, should face sanctions as a deterrent. The call reflects a broader push for institutional accountability as a means of restoring confidence in the examination system.
Implications for Education Quality and Credibility
The rise in examination malpractice has broader implications for the quality and credibility of education in Ghana. High levels of irregularities can undermine the value of academic qualifications and weaken public trust in the system.
Education experts warn that if the trend continues, it could affect not only local assessments but also the international recognition of Ghana’s educational standards.
The issue also raises concerns about the preparedness of students, as reliance on unfair practices may mask gaps in learning and hinder long term academic development.
Mr Asare stressed that addressing malpractice is not only about enforcement but also about safeguarding the integrity of the education system.
Balancing Preparation and Integrity Ahead of 2026 Exams
As preparations for the 2026 WASSCE intensify, stakeholders are being urged to take proactive measures to prevent a repeat of past challenges. This includes strengthening monitoring mechanisms, improving supervision, and enforcing existing regulations.
The role of the Ministry of Education is expected to be central in driving these reforms, particularly in ensuring that disciplinary measures are applied where necessary.
Mr Asare’s intervention highlights the need for a coordinated response involving policymakers, school authorities, examination bodies, and the wider community.
The warning from Eduwatch serves as both a caution and a call to action for the education sector. With the potential for malpractice rates to rise to 20 percent, the urgency of addressing the issue has become more pronounced.
Mr Asare concluded by urging authorities to act decisively, emphasizing that meaningful change will require both accountability and commitment from all stakeholders.
The coming months will be critical in determining whether the necessary reforms are implemented in time to safeguard the integrity of the 2026 WASSCE.
For many observers, the challenge is clear. Without stronger enforcement and accountability, the credibility of Ghana’s examination system could face further strain.
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