The Ghana Education Service (GES) in the Bono Region has declared a firm and uncompromising stance against examination malpractice, following the arrest of eight teachers during the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for allegedly aiding candidates to cheat.
Addressing participants at a stakeholder sensitisation forum in Sunyani, the Bono Regional Director of Education, Mr. Gabriel Antwi, issued a stern warning that any teacher or student found complicit in examination malpractice will face severe disciplinary action, including possible prosecution.
“We can no longer tolerate actions that undermine the integrity of our education system and tarnish the image of our region,” Mr. Antwi stated.
He revealed that while some of the arrested teachers have already been prosecuted in court, others are undergoing internal disciplinary procedures initiated by the GES.
The forum, organised by the Bono Regional Directorate of the GES under the theme “Excellence Through Integrity—No Room for Cheating,” forms part of a broader strategy to address the growing incidence of examination malpractice in the Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East (BABE) Regions—now considered high-risk areas for exam infractions.
Mr. Antwi shared troubling data highlighting the rising trend. In 2022, six Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the region had their examination papers withheld or cancelled due to suspected malpractice. This figure rose to 10 schools in 2023. By 2024, 19 out of 37 SHSs had at least one subject paper withheld or cancelled by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
“This canker is becoming widespread and must be nipped in the bud if we are to achieve our educational goals. Examination malpractice is an existential threat to quality education and the human capital development we desperately need,” he stressed.
To curb the menace, Mr. Antwi proposed the formation of School-Level Malpractice Monitoring Committees in every school. Each committee, composed of five members, would be responsible for developing preventive strategies, monitoring the conduct of examinations, and submitting detailed reports to the Regional Directorate through their respective Municipal or District Directors.
He also urged parents and guardians to promote a culture of academic integrity among their children instead of encouraging dishonest practices.
“We need the full support of parents and guardians. Let us teach our children to succeed through hard work and honesty, not shortcuts and cheating,” he appealed.
The Regional Controller of WAEC for the Bono, Ahafo and Bono East Regions, Mrs. Lilian Frimpong, also addressed the forum, reaffirming WAEC’s commitment to fighting exam malpractice. She indicated that the Council has intensified public education and strengthened monitoring and surveillance mechanisms across examination centres.
The sensitisation event brought together key stakeholders in education, including school heads, teachers, students, traditional leaders, parents, security agencies, and the media. Participants deliberated on measures to restore integrity and discipline in the educational sector.
Mr. Antwi further called on religious and traditional leaders, politicians, the media, and all segments of society to use their platforms to educate the public on the negative consequences of exam malpractice. He also directed all schools in the region to hold stakeholder engagements focused on educating teachers, parents, and students about the dangers of the practice.
“Restoring discipline and integrity in our education system is a shared responsibility. It requires a united front—every hand must be on deck,” he concluded.
The GES insists that combating examination malpractice is critical to safeguarding the credibility of the nation’s educational qualifications and the future of its youth.
