2026 BECE: Dr. Apaak reiterates zero-tolerance stance on exam malpractice

The Ministry of Education has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice in the ongoing 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The caution comes as the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) progresses nationwide, with authorities intensifying efforts to safeguard the credibility of the exams, which are expected to end on May 11.

In a statement, the Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, stressed that the government would not tolerate any form of examination malpractice.

“Any individual complicit in examination malpractice is an enemy of the state and would be dealt with ruthlessly,” he warned.

The warning follows reports by the West African Examinations Council that seven cases involving teachers and invigilators were recorded across the Central, Bono, and Ashanti Regions on the first day of the exams.

According to him, candidates caught cheating, whether through possession of unauthorized materials, collusion, or seeking outside assistance, risk having their results cancelled.

Dr. Apaak reaffirmed the government’s determination to clamp down on the danger, describing examination malpractice as a threat to the country’s educational integrity.

“Our resolve is to boldly address this dangerous phenomenon reflects our commitment to protecting the integrity of national examinations,” he stated.

He further cautioned that teachers, invigilators, and school authorities who aid or ignore malpractice would face serious consequences, including dismissal, interdiction, and possible prosecution.

“Professional misconduct during national examinations will not be excused,” he emphasized.

Referencing past incidents, the Minister revealed that out of 40 individuals caught for facilitating cheating last year, eight have already been convicted and dismissed from the Ghana Education Service payroll, while 32 others are still facing legal processes.

The Ministry of Education, working closely with the Ghana Education Service, WAEC, and security agencies, has deployed strict monitoring systems across all 2,303 examination centres nationwide.

“Any attempt to compromise the integrity of the 2026 BECE will attract immediate and severe sanctions,” Dr. Apaak reiterated, while wishing candidates success in their examinations.