Education Minister Issues Strong Warning on 2026 BECE Malpractice
The Ministry of Education has reiterated its firm stance against examination malpractice in the ongoing 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), following reported cases of irregularities during the first day of the nationwide exercise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu cautioned all stakeholders—including candidates, teachers, invigilators, supervisors, and school administrators—to strictly comply with examination regulations. He stressed that any violation would attract serious disciplinary measures.
The Minister stated that any person found to be involved in examination malpractice would be treated as an adversary of the state and dealt with decisively.
WAEC Records Early Cases of Misconduct
According to the Ministry, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) detected seven malpractice incidents on the first day of the examination. The cases involved teachers and invigilators in parts of the Central, Bono, and Ashanti Regions. The examination is scheduled to conclude on May 11, 2026.
The Ministry further indicated that candidates who engage in cheating—whether through unauthorized materials, collusion, or receiving external assistance—risk having their results cancelled.
It also warned that teachers, invigilators, supervisors, and school officials who facilitate or ignore such misconduct would face strict sanctions, including dismissal, suspension, or prosecution.
The statement emphasized that professional misconduct during national examinations would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Government Intensifies Enforcement Measures
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity of national examinations, the Ministry described malpractice as a serious threat to the credibility of the education system.
It revealed that out of 40 individuals previously apprehended for assisting examination malpractice in last year’s exams, eight have been convicted and sentenced, while the remaining cases are still under legal review. The convicted individuals have consequently lost their employment and have been removed from the Ghana Education Service payroll.
To prevent further incidents, the Ministry announced that it is working closely with the Ghana Education Service, WAEC, and security agencies to intensify monitoring across all 2,303 examination centres nationwide.
Authorities warned that any attempt to compromise the integrity of the 2026 BECE would be met with immediate and stringent sanctions.
The statement concluded by extending best wishes to all candidates sitting for the examination.