2026 WASSCE: No one will be spared for examination malpractice – Dr. Apaak warns

The Deputy Minister for Education has stated that strict action against all forms of examination malpractice as the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) begins across the country.

In a statement issued on May 13 and signed by Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Deputy Minister for Education emphasized that the government will not tolerate cheating in any form during the examinations.

According to him, a total of 509,862 candidates are writing this year’s WASSCE in 1,017 examination centres nationwide. The candidates are made up of 225,274 males and 284,588 females from 1,020 schools. This represents an increase of 48,126 candidates, or 10.4 percent, compared to last year’s 461,736 candidates.

He described the increase as encouraging, reflecting improved access to education, but stressed that academic integrity must remain a top priority.

Dr. Apaak, in the statement, urged candidates to stay calm and focused as they sit for their papers, encouraging them to trust their preparation.

“Candidates are urged to remain calm, focused, and disciplined throughout the examination period,” he stated.

“Students must believe in their abilities and trust the preparation they have received over the years.”

He further warned candidates against any form of exam malpractice, stressing that the consequences are severe.

“No examination result is worth jeopardizing one’s future,” Dr. Apaak cautioned.

According to him, candidates caught engaging in malpractice risk cancellation of papers, disqualification, and possible prosecution under the law.

The Ministry also issued a strong warning to teachers, invigilators, supervisors, school authorities, and any external individuals who may attempt to assist candidates in cheating.

Dr. Apaak stressed that such actions undermine the credibility of Ghana’s education system and will not be tolerated.

Dr. Apaak disclosed that 43 teachers were recently arrested over examination malpractice during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), noting that they will face the full rigours of the law.

“Any individual found aiding, facilitating, or engaging in examination malpractice will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he warned.

He disclosed that the Ministry is working closely with the West African Examinations Council and assured the public of a fair, transparent, and credible examination process nationwide.

He also noted that discussions are ongoing regarding calls for the publication of names of individuals caught engaging in examination malpractice as part of efforts to deter future offences.

Parents, school authorities, security agencies, and the general public have been urged to support measures aimed at ensuring discipline and protecting the integrity of the examination system across the country.