Covering the period from 2021 to 2023, the study revealed a significant rise in the percentage of candidates involved in examination malpractice, growing from 2% in 2021 to 10% in 2023.
Seminar Presentation
During a seminar organized by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for stakeholders, Kwaku Dankwa, the Acting Head of the Accra Section of WAEC's Research Department, presented the study's findings. He pointed out that while the percentage might seem small, the actual numbers were alarming: over 10,000 candidates were involved in malpractice in 2021, increasing to 44,586 in 2023.
The study identified common forms of malpractice, including collusion, bringing foreign materials and mobile phones into examination halls, and impersonation. It also noted that malpractice was more prevalent in regions such as Bono East, Ahafo, Ashanti, Central, and Eastern regions. Despite WAEC's punitive measures, such as cancelling results and barring guilty candidates, examination malpractice persisted.
To address the issue, the study suggested measures like using metal detectors, implementing computer-based exams, serializing exam questions, and regularizing payments for supervisors and invigilators.
Stakeholders at the seminar called for a collective effort to tackle the problem, emphasizing the need for a lasting solution. Some respondents recommended that WAEC switch to computer-based exams and use CCTV to monitor examination centers. Others suggested that supervisors should not be allowed to work in their own schools. The findings and recommendations raised concerns about the integrity of Ghana's education system, highlighting the need for a concerted effort to address examination malpractice and ensure the credibility of WAEC certificates.
Concern and Government Effort
Emmanuel Brew, WAEC's Director in Charge of Administration, expressed concern over the rising trend of examination malpractice among WASSCE candidates. Speaking on behalf of WAEC's registrar, Puteh Bah, he noted that WAEC was taking a bold step in addressing this long-standing issue through a comprehensive study aimed at understanding and curbing the problem.
Brew emphasized that the study, the first of its kind in Ghana, was designed to tackle examination malpractice, which erodes global confidence in the country's examinations. He mentioned that the research involved feedback from various stakeholders and was intended to assess the effectiveness of WAEC’s operations and identify ways to combat malpractice. The findings and recommendations would guide the implementation of effective interventions.
Prince Charles Agyemang-Duah, the Director of Schools and Instructions Division of the Ghana Education Service, acknowledged that WAEC had long struggled with examination malpractice and leaks. However, this study marked a significant shift in the council’s approach by seeking outside expertise and stakeholder input, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability. He also highlighted government initiatives to improve education, such as providing professional development allowances for teachers and other motivational programs.
Source: ghedupro
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