By Kekeli K. Blamey
In a significant crackdown on examination malpractices, nine individuals have been apprehended in connection with the ongoing 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
The suspects include seven teachers from various locations, notably Bekwai in the Ashanti Region and Tema in the Greater Accra Region. Additionally, an individual was arrested at Nkoranza Senior High School, one at Chemu Senior High School in Tema, and two others in the Bono Region. Two of the suspects are not related to the examination but were attempting to gain access to the candidates.
John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), confirmed the arrests in an interview with an Accra-based media outlet.
“We also arrested one person at Nkoranza Senior High School, and one person at Chemu Senior High School, Tema. And then two in the Bono Region. Also, there were two others, whom I will call outsiders. They were not related to the examination but were trying to have access to the candidates. Seven teachers and two outsiders,” he stated.
As the weeklong exams enter their second day, Mr. Kapi assured that stringent security measures are in place to curb further malpractices.
“We have deployed additional monitors to these flashpoints and have appealed to our partners in the security agencies to ensure a visible presence in these areas to deter further malpractices,” he noted.
Mr. Kapi also mentioned that the implicated teachers would be referred to the Ghana Education Service (GES) for disciplinary action.
“When we apprehend teachers for such offenses, we hand their names over to the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service. Since they are not our employees, the Director-General will instruct the Teachers Council to take appropriate disciplinary action against them,” he explained.
