WAEC Uncovers Massive Cheating Amongst Teachers & Students
WAEC Uncovers Widespread Cheating
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has uncovered massive cheating in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This comes despite strict punitive measures against examination malpractice. The Head of Public Affairs for WAEC, John Kapi, provided an update at a press briefing in Accra. He revealed more than 16 people were arrested at various exam centers. They also seized 64 mobile phones from just one school.
The irregularities include impersonation, sharing snapshots of questions, and providing solutions. Additionally, some candidates brought mobile phones into the exam halls. For instance, at Ghana College in Kasoa, two people were arrested for impersonation. A court sentenced them both to six months in prison. Their accomplice received an eight-month sentence. The proprietor and an invigilator from Christian IPS in Kukurantumi were also arrested. They shared questions and solutions in a WhatsApp group. The police are currently investigating them.
Arrests and Disciplinary Actions
WAEC’s monitoring teams have made several arrests across the country. Ebenezer Fynn was arrested at St. Vincent College in Abura Dunkwa for impersonation. A court is now handling his case. Hanna Lariba, a student, was arrested for impersonation at Steps to Destiny SHS in Yeji. Also in Yeji, Maxwell Chamba and Amaglo Livingstone were arrested for impersonation at Sefa Bonsu Royal SHS. Another impersonator, Mumuni Abdul Hafiz, escaped before police could arrest him.
In Asante Bekwai, Desmond Kodua was arrested at Abot College and remanded in police custody for two weeks. At Atwima Kwanwoma Presbyterian SHS, Osei Asibey Daniel was arrested for impersonation. Raymond Kwasi was also arrested for contracting Daniel to write the exam for him. A Physics teacher at Ahafoman SHS was found sharing snapshots of a practical exam. Ernest Frimpong, an invigilator, was arrested at King James SHTS with questions and solutions on his phone. WAEC also arrested Patrick Essel, a former National Service person, for aiding a candidate. Investigations revealed the assistant supervisor, Michael Boateng, was also involved. Both have been arrested.
Kumasi Centre Shut Down
In one of the most serious incidents, monitoring teams retrieved 64 mobile phones from candidates at Adventist SHS in Bantama, Kumasi. This occurred during the Elective Mathematics paper. Consequently, the council has moved all students from the school to the WAEC Hall in Kumasi. They will now continue their exams under direct WAEC supervision. The council has also compiled a list of schools involved in such malpractices. WAEC will scrutinize the scripts of candidates from these schools. They will apply the full force of the law against any school authority found guilty. They condemn these acts of dishonesty and urge all school heads to uphold trust and remain above reproach.
WAEC also provided an update on the BECE results that were previously withheld. Investigations have concluded for many candidates suspected of collusion. Relevant committees will now determine the final outcome of their cases. This year’s WASSCE began on August 5, 2025, and will end on September 19, 2025. A total of 461,640 candidates registered for the exams.
