By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has moved to address fresh allegations of examination malpractice in the just-ended 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), assuring the public of a swift and thorough investigation.
In a press release dated September 7, 2025, and signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, the GES noted that its attention had been drawn to media reports, particularly by JoyNews TV, which suggested possible instances of malpractice in some schools during the exams.
An investigative report by JoyNews has revealed that some GES officials allegedly facilitated mass cheating during the 2025 BECE. The report claims that at the Derby Avenue RC Basic School in Accra, invigilators were promised a daily payment of GH¢60 to allow students to use mobile phones and AI tools like ChatGPT. At St. George’s Anglican School, supervisors were reportedly distributing envelopes containing GH¢400 to invigilators, while students were asked to make daily payments of at least GH¢5 to be shared among the invigilators.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has condemned these payments, stressing that any money paid to invigilators or supervisors is illegal and undermines the credibility of Ghana’s education system.
Responding to these allegations, the GES stated that copies of the full documentary, together with the original transcripts, will be obtained and scrutinized immediately. A full-scale investigation will then be conducted to establish the veracity of the claims.
The GES emphasized its strong stance against examination malpractice, warning that cheating destroys meritocracy and produces graduates who lack the competencies required for national development.
The statement further revealed that the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, and the GES Council have pledged their support for disciplinary measures. Any teaching or non-teaching staff found to have aided or abetted cheating will face severe sanctions in accordance with the law and established Service regulations.
GES also reassured stakeholders of its commitment to protecting the credibility of Ghana’s examinations. The Service pledged to collaborate fully with WAEC, National Security, and law enforcement agencies to eliminate malpractice from the country’s education system.
The allegations have sparked public concern, with many education stakeholders calling for tougher measures to restore confidence in national examinations.
