The 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in Ghana’s Oti Region was marred by an incident of examination malpractice at the Dodo-Amanfrom Examination Centre. Eight candidates were caught with unauthorized foreign materials during the Career Technology paper on Thursday, June 12th. The discovery was made by two vigilant officials from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the body responsible for conducting the examination. The candidates involved were immediately apprehended and required to provide written statements regarding their possession of the prohibited materials. Following this process, they were permitted to continue with the examination. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining the integrity of examinations and underscores the importance of vigilance in upholding academic standards.
Mr. Michael Agbeko, the Supervisor-in-Charge at the Dodo-Amanfrom Examination Centre, confirmed the incident to the Ghana News Agency (GNA). Importantly, he clarified that the investigation into the matter did not implicate any invigilators in the wrongdoing. This suggests that the candidates acted independently in bringing the unauthorized materials into the examination hall. The prompt action taken by the WAEC officials demonstrates the examination body’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent assessment process. Their intervention prevented the candidates from potentially gaining an unfair advantage over their peers and maintained the credibility of the examination results.
Mr. Christopher Agor’ll, the Kadjebi District Examination Officer, also corroborated the incident and took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to all candidates participating in the BECE. He emphasized the serious consequences associated with bringing unauthorized materials into the examination hall, reminding students of the strict regulations governing the conduct of the examination. This public admonition serves as a deterrent against future instances of malpractice and reinforces the importance of academic integrity. Mr. Agor’ll’s statement underscores the commitment of the education authorities to maintaining the high standards of the BECE.
The BECE is a crucial milestone in the Ghanaian education system, marking the culmination of nine years of basic education. It serves as a gateway to secondary education and plays a significant role in shaping the academic and professional trajectories of young Ghanaians. The integrity of this examination is therefore paramount in ensuring a level playing field for all candidates. Incidents of malpractice undermine the credibility of the examination and erode public trust in the education system.
In the Kadjebi District, a total of 1,467 candidates, comprising 765 males and 702 females, are participating in the 2025 BECE. This significant number of candidates underscores the importance of effective examination management and the need for robust measures to prevent malpractice. The incident at the Dodo-Amanfrom Examination Centre serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by examination bodies in ensuring a fair and transparent assessment process. It highlights the need for continuous vigilance and proactive measures to prevent and address examination malpractice.
The apprehension of the eight candidates at the Dodo-Amanfrom Examination Centre serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding academic integrity. The swift action taken by the WAEC officials and the subsequent warnings issued by education authorities demonstrate a commitment to maintaining the standards of the BECE. The incident also highlights the need for continued vigilance and the implementation of effective strategies to prevent future instances of examination malpractice, ensuring a fair and credible assessment for all candidates. This incident, while unfortunate, reinforces the dedication of Ghanaian education authorities to preserving the integrity of the BECE and upholding the principles of fairness and transparency in the education system.
