The Ministry of Education has reiterated a strong warning against examination malpractice in the ongoing 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), cautioning that offenders will face severe sanctions as authorities intensify efforts to protect the integrity of the national assessment.
The renewed caution follows reports of malpractice cases recorded on the first day of the examination, prompting the Ministry to issue a firm statement reinforcing its zero-tolerance stance. The 2026 BECE, which began on May 4 and is expected to end on May 11, remains one of the most important academic milestones for junior high school students across the country.
According to the Ministry, the warning issued earlier by the Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, remains fully in force and applies to all stakeholders involved in the examination process, including candidates, teachers, invigilators, supervisors, and school authorities.
Malpractice Cases Prompt Action
The latest statement was triggered by confirmed incidents of malpractice involving teachers and invigilators in parts of the Central, Bono, and Ashanti Regions. Reports indicate that at least seven individuals were implicated in various forms of examination misconduct on the first day alone, raising fresh concerns about compliance with examination regulations.
Investigations by the West African Examinations Council suggest that some of the offences involved the use of mobile phones to capture and distribute examination questions, while others included the preparation and circulation of answers to candidates.
“Any candidate found cheating, whether through possession of unauthorized materials, collusion, or seeking external assistance, risks having his or her results cancelled.”
Statement from the Ghana Education Service
Authorities say such actions undermine the credibility of the examination system and create an uneven playing field for candidates who rely on honest effort.The Ministry stressed that any candidate found engaging in malpractice risks having their results cancelled. Offences such as possession of unauthorised materials, collusion, or seeking external assistance remain strictly prohibited under examination rules.
Strict Sanctions for Offenders
Beyond candidates, the Ministry directed particular attention to teachers and examination officials, warning that professional misconduct will attract serious consequences. Officials who aid, ignore, or facilitate malpractice face disciplinary action that may include interdiction, dismissal, and possible prosecution. The Ministry emphasised that involvement in such acts not only violates professional ethics but also erodes public confidence in the education system.
“Teachers, invigilators, supervisors, and school authorities who aid, abet, or ignore malpractice will face severe consequences, including dismissal, interdiction, and possible prosecution”
Ministry of Education in a press release
To reinforce its position, the Ministry cited outcomes from previous enforcement actions. Last year, 40 individuals were caught for facilitating cheating, with eight already convicted and dismissed from service, while others remain under legal processes.
“The eight convicted persons have automatically lost their jobs. They are unfit to be teachers and will be taken off the payroll of the Ghana Education Service”
The Ghana Education Service
These cases, authorities say, serve as a clear deterrent and demonstrate the government’s willingness to take decisive action against offenders.The Ministry also described individuals involved in examination malpractice as acting against national interest, noting that such behaviour compromises the future of students and the credibility of academic qualifications.
Monitoring and Enforcement Intensified
In response to recurring incidents, the Ministry has strengthened monitoring and enforcement measures nationwide. Working in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service, WAEC, and security agencies, officials have been deployed across all 2,303 examination centres to ensure strict adherence to rules.
Surveillance systems, on-the-ground monitoring teams, and security personnel have been tasked with detecting and preventing irregularities. Authorities say these measures are designed not only to catch offenders but also to deter potential violations.
The scale of the BECE makes such efforts critical. With more than 600,000 candidates participating nationwide, maintaining fairness and order is essential to ensuring credible outcomes. Education officials maintain that safeguarding the integrity of the examination is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation from all stakeholders.
Protecting Integrity of National Examinations
The Ministry reiterated that its firm stance against malpractice reflects a broader commitment to protecting Ghana’s education system and ensuring that academic achievements are based on merit.
National examinations such as the BECE play a crucial role in determining students’ progression to senior high school and shaping their future opportunities. As such, any attempt to compromise the process is treated with utmost seriousness.
Authorities have also urged individuals who may be considering engaging in malpractice to reflect on the consequences, pointing to past cases where offenders lost their jobs and faced legal action. At the same time, the Ministry encouraged candidates to remain focused and rely on their preparation, assuring them that the examination process is designed to be fair and transparent.
As the 2026 BECE continues, officials say they remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that the exercise is conducted smoothly, securely, and without compromise. The Ministry concluded by wishing all candidates success, while reiterating that discipline, honesty, and hard work remain the only legitimate paths to achievement in the examination.
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