List of regions flagged by WAEC as examination malpractice hotspots
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has expressed deep concern over the rising cases of examination malpractice across Ghana, with the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions singled out as major hotspots.
In 2023 alone, a total of 18,504 candidates were caught engaging in various forms of cheating and misconduct. Unfortunately, early signs for 2024 indicate that the situation isn’t getting any better.
At a stakeholders’ forum, Daniel Nii Dodoo, Head of Humanities at WAEC’s Test Division, warned that this growing issue poses a serious threat to national security. He said it undermines the credibility of Ghana’s educational institutions and shakes public trust in the system.
Dodoo called for urgent measures in the Bono areas due to their increasing cases of malpractice. He also mentioned that the Ashanti Region remains a major concern because of its rising number of irregularities.
WAEC made it clear that the regional statistics from 2021 to 2023 are not meant to label or stigmatise any area. Instead, they are being shared to help people understand the scale of the problem and encourage honest exam practices, especially in regions where cheating is more common.
The Council believes the data should serve as a wake-up call for regional education directors. They are being urged to tighten monitoring and supervision and strictly enforce the rules guiding examinations.
Dodoo also warned about the long-term effects of unchecked malpractice. He pointed out that people who cheat in school may eventually be exposed in the professional world. He added that widespread cheating could damage the value of Ghanaian certificates internationally.
“Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions had the highest number of candidates with malpractice cases—18,504 in 2023. These are critical areas requiring immediate attention given their rising trend in malpractice involvement,” he said.
WAEC also raised alarm over both traditional and new methods of cheating that are becoming more common in schools. The Council fears that the increasing sophistication of these tactics could seriously harm the credibility of the entire education system.
John Kapi, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, listed some of the most common methods used:
“Over the years, the Council has observed the following trends in examination malpractices: the use of electronic communication devices such as phones and tablets to cheat, sourcing answers from AI platforms during examinations, photocopying responses and distributing them to candidates, and candidates entering the exam hall with foreign materials.”
To tackle the issue, WAEC is urging stronger cooperation among key stakeholders—such as the Ghana Education Service, the Ministry of Education, school heads, and local authorities—to deal with the problem at the national level.