Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, began a monitoring tour of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the Sefwi area of the Western North Region on Monday, May 4, 2026. This initiative follows new data from the Ghana Education Service (GES) revealing multiple instances of examination malpractice during the 2025 BECE in parts of the region, prompting a national assessment of the 2026 examination’s conduct.
Context of Examination Integrity
The BECE serves as a critical gateway for students transitioning from junior high to senior high school in Ghana. Ensuring the integrity of this examination is paramount to maintaining a fair and credible educational system.
Past examination cycles have unfortunately seen breaches of regulations. These incidents undermine the efforts of diligent students and educators, casting a shadow on the overall assessment process.
Details of Past Malpractice Incidents
Data released by the Ghana Education Service highlights specific cases from the 2025 BECE in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality. An invigilator was apprehended dictating answers to candidates during the examination. Subsequent investigations led to the official being fined.
In a separate occurrence, several candidates were discovered with photocopied examination materials within examination halls. These individuals completed irregularity forms, which have been forwarded to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for further review and action.
The GES also reported that some external invigilators implicated in distinct malpractice incidents have faced prosecution, underscoring the seriousness with which such breaches are treated.
Nationwide Investigations and Prosecutions
The scale of the issue extends beyond regional incidents. GES Director-General, Prof Ernest Kofi Davis, disclosed on April 30, 2026, that approximately 46 cases involving teachers and invigilators are under investigation nationwide. These cases encompass a range of offenses, including 17 mobile phone-related violations, 13 instances of prepared answers being found, and six cases of external assistance provided to candidates.
Of these, eight individuals have already been prosecuted and found guilty, indicating a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable.
The 2026 BECE Examination Landscape
The 2026 BECE commenced on Monday, May 4, and is scheduled to conclude on May 11. A significant number of 620,141 candidates are participating nationwide. This cohort comprises 304,349 boys and 315,792 girls, representing 22,395 schools.
On average, each candidate is expected to sit for 11 subjects, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the examination.
Implications and Future Watch
Minister Iddrisu’s tour aims to reinforce the importance of ethical conduct during the examination period and to deter potential malpractice. The ongoing investigations and prosecutions send a clear message about the consequences of undermining examination integrity.
For students, the focus remains on preparation and honest performance. For educators and invigilators, the imperative is to uphold professional standards and ensure a fair testing environment. The GES and WAEC will continue to monitor the situation closely, with potential adjustments to examination security protocols in response to emerging trends and challenges. The success of the 2026 BECE hinges on the collective commitment to upholding its credibility.
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