Study Reveals Alarming Increase in WASSCE Malpractice

A recent study has uncovered a concerning trend of rising examination malpractice in Ghana. Covering the period between 2021 and 2023, the study revealed a significant increase in the percentage of candidates involved in malpractice, jumping from 2% in 2021 to 10% in 2023.

Presenting the findings at a seminar organized by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for stakeholders, Kwaku Dankwa, the Acting Head of the Accra Section of the Research Department of WAEC, highlighted that while the percentage increase might seem small, the actual numbers were alarming. Over 10,000 candidates were involved in malpractice in 2021, with this figure rising to 44,586 in 2023.

The study identified common forms of malpractice, including collusion, bringing foreign materials and mobile phones into the examination hall, and impersonation. It also found that examination malpractice was more prevalent in certain regions, such as Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, Central, and Eastern regions.

Mr. Dankwa noted that despite WAEC’s punitive measures, such as the cancellation of results and barring of candidates found guilty of malpractice, the issue persisted. The study suggested additional measures to combat malpractice, including the use of metal detectors, computer-based examinations, serialization of examination questions, and regularization of supervisor and invigilator payments.

Stakeholders at the seminar emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the issue and called for a lasting solution. They suggested that WAEC transition from paper-based to computer-based examinations and employ CCTV to monitor examination centers. Additionally, they recommended that supervisors should not be allowed to work in their own schools.

The study’s findings and recommendations have raised concerns about the integrity of the education system in Ghana, highlighting the need for stakeholders to work together to ensure the credibility of WAEC certificates.

Emmanuel Brew, Director in Charge of Administration of WAEC, is concerned over the growing trend of examination malpractice among candidates sitting for the WASSCE.

Speaking on behalf of WAEC registrar Puteh Bah, he noted that the study was a significant step towards understanding and curbing the problem. The research, he said, was the first of its kind in Ghana designed to address the issue of examination malpractice comprehensively.

“We didn’t want to grade ourselves, so we went out to talk to stakeholders and get their feedback,” he said. The study’s findings and recommendations, he said, would be taken up and the necessary steps would be put in place to address the issues uncovered.

“We have been thinking about our operations and with this research, we now have scientific proof to implement effective interventions,” the director said.