The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) significantly reduced examination malpractice in the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). This success resulted from intensified efforts and collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES). The institutions implemented various initiatives to discourage dishonest practices among candidates.
John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, confirmed these outcomes on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Monday, June 3. WAEC and GES launched a nationwide crusade against exam malpractice. They conducted public education campaigns to encourage students to rely on their own abilities. These campaigns stressed the importance of writing examinations honestly.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader commitment to improving educational standards and integrity. Examination malpractice undermines the credibility of academic qualifications. It also hinders the development of a skilled workforce. Previous years have seen concerns about the prevalence of cheating, impacting the value of certificates. This reduction marks a positive trend for the nation's education sector.
Mr. Kapi stated, "First of all, we decided to launch a crusade against exam malpractice." He added, "We held stakeholder engagement across the country." WAEC also met with traditional authorities to encourage people within their jurisdictions to avoid cheating. The Ghana Education Service deployed many monitors across the country. This ensured cheating was reduced to the barest minimum.
This concerted effort is expected to foster greater public trust in Ghana's examination system. It will also ensure that academic achievements genuinely reflect students' capabilities. The continued collaboration between WAEC, GES, and other stakeholders will be crucial. This partnership aims to safeguard the examination system for future generations. Decision-makers will likely monitor these trends closely to assess the long-term impact on educational quality.
A total of 620,243 candidates registered for the 2026 BECE. These candidates came from 20,789 schools nationwide. The registered candidates included 304,415 males and 315,828 females. The examination accommodated 136 candidates with visual impairment. It also included 282 candidates with hearing assessment needs. Additionally, 510 candidates had other test accommodation requirements. The examination took place at 2,237 centres across the country. WAEC reported that 3,601 registered candidates were absent from the examination.