The Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) looms, and with it, a renewed focus on maintaining the integrity of Ghana’s education system. As students across the nation prepare for this pivotal exam, education stakeholders are issuing stern warnings against exam malpractices, casting a spotlight on the ethical responsibilities of teachers and the potential consequences of misconduct. The specter of the 2023 BECE, marred by arrests and result cancellations, serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance. Can Ghana ensure a fair and credible examination process this year?

Recent concerns voiced by the Municipal Director of Education, coupled with the observations of traditional authorities and education experts, underscore the gravity of the situation. The integrity of the BECE is not merely a matter of academic honesty; it’s a reflection of the values and standards upheld within the nation’s educational framework. Calls for stricter measures and a renewed commitment to ethical conduct are echoing across the sector, emphasizing the critical role of educators in safeguarding the future of Ghana’s students.

Mrs. Grace Oppong Agyapong, the Municipal Director of Education for Ahafo Ano North, has called on teachers to uphold the highest professional standards during the upcoming examinations. Speaking to educators, she emphasized the importance of avoiding any actions that could compromise the fairness and credibility of the BECE. “You must desist from any form of examination malpractices to avoid falling foul to the law and its enforcement agencies,” she cautioned, highlighting the potential legal ramifications for those found engaging in misconduct. Mrs. Agyapong stressed that teachers’ conduct is crucial in ensuring the BECE proceeds smoothly, without incidents of arrests or reports of unethical behavior. She also alluded to the importance of a strong foundation, noting the African proverb that speaks to the necessity of strong roots for lasting growth.

However, concerns extend beyond the examination hall itself. Nana Koensah Sasraku, Chief of Tepa Barniekrom, has raised serious allegations regarding illegal demands made by some teachers and head teachers. According to Nana Sasraku, these educators are allegedly extorting money from parents under the pretense of helping students pass the BECE. “Some of the head teachers and teachers call the parents and ask them to pay an amount for the exams,” Nana Sasraku stated, expressing skepticism about the motivations behind these demands. “If they think they have taught the children well, they wouldn’t be asking parents to pay money to help them pass.” These allegations, if proven true, represent a grave breach of trust and a potential exploitation of vulnerable families. Nana Sasraku has urged the Ghana Education Service and other relevant authorities to investigate these claims thoroughly and put an end to this alleged practice.

The 2023 BECE serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential for widespread malpractice and the consequences that follow. Last year’s examination was marred by several incidents, including the arrest of 18 invigilators suspected of aiding students in cheating. WAEC responded by cancelling subject results for 377 school candidates and three private candidates due to the discovery of foreign materials and evidence of collusion. In more severe cases, the entire results of 41 school candidates and one private candidate were cancelled. These actions underscore WAEC’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process, even in the face of significant challenges.

In response to these incidents, WAEC has introduced stricter regulations, including a ban on mobile phones at examination centers. However, reports suggest that some invigilators continue to breach these rules, attempting to assist candidates despite the increased scrutiny. These persistent breaches highlight the need for more effective deterrents and a stronger commitment to ethical conduct among examination personnel.

Dr. Peter Anti-Partey, an education expert, is advocating for tougher punitive measures to deter exam malpractices. He believes that arrests alone are insufficient, particularly when police investigations often yield weak outcomes. To truly address the issue, Dr. Anti-Partey is calling for the withdrawal of teaching licenses for teachers found to be aiding in examination fraud. “WAEC should make an official complaint to the National Teaching Council so that their licenses would be withheld,” he asserted, emphasizing the need for greater accountability within the teaching profession. The withdrawal of licenses, he argues, would serve as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

As Ghana approaches the 2024 BECE, the warnings from education stakeholders serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the examination process. From Mrs. Grace Oppong Agyapong’s call for ethical conduct to Nana Koensah Sasraku’s concerns about illegal demands and Dr. Peter Anti-Partey’s advocacy for stricter punitive measures, the message is clear: the future of Ghana’s students depends on a fair and credible education system. The success of the 2024 BECE will be a significant indicator of Ghana’s commitment to upholding these principles.