7 invigilators arrested for preparing answers for candidates on day 1 of 2026 BECE - WAEC's Head of Public Affairs

The Head of Public Affairs at the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), John Kapi, has confirmed the arrest of seven invigilators on the first day of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) over alleged examination malpractice.

Speaking in an interview with 3News on 4 May, he explained that the incidents were recorded across three regions , Central, Bono, and Ashanti. According to him, three cases were reported in the Central Region, two in the Bono Region, and two in the Ashanti Region.

He further disclosed that five of the cases involved the use of mobile phones during the examination period, while two were linked to the preparation of answers intended for distribution to candidates in examination halls.

Mr Kapi noted that three of the suspects were not actively invigilating at the time of the incidents, while the remaining four were serving as invigilators when they were allegedly implicated.

He expressed concern over the repeated involvement of teachers in examination malpractice despite continuous sensitisation and warnings from WAEC and other stakeholders, including education authorities, security agencies, traditional leaders, and Parent-Teacher Associations. He also referenced strong warnings from both the WAEC Director-General and the Minister of Education regarding sanctions for offenders.

Although he acknowledged a few operational challenges, including delays in the delivery of examination materials in some centres, particularly in parts of the Western Region, he stated that the examination generally progressed smoothly nationwide.

WAEC has assured that all seven suspects will face the necessary disciplinary and legal processes as investigations continue, while supervision at examination centres remains intensified to prevent further malpractice.