Unauthorized WASSCE registration will attract sanctions – GES

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a strong caution to heads of Senior High and Technical Schools over the unauthorized registration of candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

GES, in its statement, said offenders will face severe disciplinary sanctions.

In a statement released on January 8, 2026, GES management said it had detected instances where some school heads and officials were registering Form Two students and private candidates for the WASSCE without approval, often in exchange for fees. The Service described the practice as a clear breach of established examination regulations.

GES clarified that only Form Three students whose academic records and progression from Year One to Year Three are fully traceable in a school’s official database are eligible to be registered for the examination by heads of institutions. It stressed that the registration of Form Two students or private candidates by any school authority is strictly prohibited.

According to the Service, any head of school or education official found engaging in unauthorised registration, including the collection of money for such purposes, will be deemed to have committed misconduct and abuse of office.

“All Heads and school officials are hereby cautioned that the breach of this directive will attract severe sanctions in accordance with GES and WAEC regulations, without exception,” the statement emphasised.

The directive forms part of broader efforts by education authorities to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the WASSCE, which remains a critical national examination for access to tertiary education and employment opportunities.

GES noted that unauthorised registrations undermine the assessment process and expose both schools and candidates to serious academic and administrative consequences, including possible disqualification.

The Service therefore urged school administrators to strictly comply with approved registration procedures and to ensure transparency and accountability in all examination-related activities.

The statement was signed by Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations of the Ghana Education Service, and issued for immediate attention of all public and private Senior High and Technical Schools across the country.