Per a secret filming investigation conducted by JoyNews, shocking revelations have emerged about systemic examination malpractice at this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE). The JoyNews Hotline documentary, Dark World of BECE, led by investigative journalist Francisca Enchill uncovered widespread collusion between some officials of the Ghana Education Service (GES) and invigilators.
At the Derby Avenue RC Basic School in Accra, investigation found that Invigilators were bribed with as little as GH¢60 to allow students to cheat by smuggling mobile phones into the examination hall, using artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and even receiving solved questions from officials.
At St. George’s Anglican, envelopes containing GH¢400 were distributed to Invigilators, while students made daily payments. Shockingly, an “Aseda Offertory” was later introduced, where candidates contributed GH¢5 each in appreciation of Invigilators who looked the other way.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has since denounced the practice, clarifying that any payment made to invigilators or supervisors during examinations is illegal. Investigations have commenced into the disturbing revelations.
The Chronicle strongly condemns the shameful acts exposed by JoyNews in the documentary. What was uncovered is not just a mere case of malpractice but a calculated subversion of the very foundations of our educational system. We commend JoyNews and its investigative team for this bold and patriotic act of exposing rot in our education sector.
This scandal raises very troubling questions. Why have Invigilators and Supervisors, entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding examinations, reduced themselves to accomplices in corruption, for as little as GH¢60?
Why would school officials betray the trust of parents and the nation by enabling students to cheat instead of nurturing their academic integrity? These questions point to deeper systemic failures that go beyond individual misconduct.
One possible reason is the unhealthy obsession with school rankings. Schools are desperate to appear at the top of educational league tables, sometimes pushing their School heads and teachers to pursue results at any cost. The undue pressure from some parents cannot also be ignored.
Too often, parents demand results, not effort. They exert pressure on school heads and even show willingness to fund these illegal practices, believing that a certificate matters more than genuine knowledge. The corrosive influence of money in this context has turned examinations into a commercial venture rather than a test of merit.
But let us be clear: this scandal is a national embarrassment. It undermines public confidence in Ghana’s education system and tarnishes the image of the BECE, an examination that should be a fair assessment of students’ learning. If such malpractices persist our certificates risk losing credibility, both at home and abroad.
We, therefore, call on the GES, WAEC and law enforcement authorities to ensure that investigations into this matter are thorough and that those found culpable, whether Invigilators, Supervisors, school officials or parents are held accountable. Without punishment, these practices will continue.
The Chronicle insists that Ghana cannot build a strong future on fraudulent foundations. Education must remain the bedrock of progress, not an arena for corruption.
