Report by Daniel Donkor
With only days to the start of the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has sounded a strong, uncompromising warning to candidates and stakeholders, declaring that any form of examination malpractice will be met with severe consequences.
The caution comes as 619,985 candidates nationwide get set to sit for the examination, scheduled from Monday, May 4 to Monday, May 11. Candidates will write two papers daily at 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
In the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions, a combined total of 58,412 candidates will participate, with Bono Region recording the highest number at 24,983, followed by Bono East with 20,865, and Ahafo with 12,564.
Speaking in an interview with GBC News in Sunyani, the Bono, Ahafo and Bono East Regional Controller of WAEC, Daniel Nii Dodoo, stressed that safeguarding the credibility of the examination remains a top priority for the Council.
“Examination malpractice not only undermines academic integrity but also constitutes a direct violation of WAEC’s legal and regulatory framework,” he stated firmly.
Mr. Dodoo assured the public that adequate logistical and security arrangements have been put in place across all centres to ensure a smooth, transparent, and credible examination process.
Addressing longstanding concerns about irregularities in the former Brong Ahafo enclave, he declared an end to the notorious era of “show and pour,” where candidates relied on external assistance during examinations.
“We have moved away from the old days where someone could assist you with answers. This time, it will be your competence on the paper not anybody else’s,” he emphasised.
He issued a direct appeal to teachers and parents to uphold ethical standards and resist any involvement in malpractice.
“To teachers who have prepared these candidates, stay away from anything that could compromise their true performance. And to parents, paying money to facilitate cheating is a bad practice. Let us all uphold integrity so that Mother Ghana will be the better for it,” he urged.
WAEC warned that candidates found guilty of malpractice risk having their subject results or entire results cancelled, while more serious offences could lead to legal action.
The Council has also reiterated strict examination regulations. The possession of unauthorized or foreign materials in the examination hall remains a punishable offence.
Other violations include script theft or substitution, submitting multiple answer booklets, possessing more than one question paper, and seeking or receiving assistance from non-candidates. Collusion, passing notes, or any form of communication between candidates during the examination is strictly prohibited.
Despite the heightened vigilance, some candidates remain confident. Kelvin Pema Aboagye and Shafatu Nurudeen of Seli’s Memorial School in Sunyani told GBC News they feel adequately prepared and ready for the task ahead.
As the examination approaches, WAEC’s message resonates clearly across the country: success in the 2026 BECE will be earned through honesty, discipline, and individual merit, not shortcuts.
