2025 BECE: WAEC sanctions candidates over exam malpractice

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has cancelled and withheld the results of some candidates who sat for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) following cases of malpractice.

The decision was taken at the 36th meeting of the Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee for the BECE, held on August 15, 2025, and announced in a statement dated August 23.

WAEC confirmed that the subject results of 718 candidates had been cancelled, while 177 candidates lost their entire results. In addition, the subject results of 1,240 candidates were withheld pending investigations, and the entire results of 93 candidates were also withheld.

According to the Council, irregularities were detected during the conduct of the examination and the marking of scripts. Some of the cases involved cheating, smuggling of foreign material into the examination hall, and collusion among candidates. Investigations also revealed instances where invigilators and supervisors failed to uphold examination rules.

WAEC explained that the subject results of some candidates from 119 schools had been cancelled, while results from 87 schools were being withheld for further scrutiny. The Council said the outcome of these investigations would determine whether the withheld results would eventually be released or permanently cancelled. A final decision is expected by September 6, 2025.

The Council urged candidates whose results had been cancelled or withheld to visit its website and use the appropriate portal to confirm the status of their results.

WAEC also warned the public to be wary of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for a fee, reminding candidates that results issued by the Council are secure and can be verified.

In conclusion, WAEC expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service, security agencies, and all stakeholders who supported the conduct of the exams, while stressing its continued commitment to maintaining the integrity of public examinations in Ghana.