Investigation uncovers rampant examination malpractices ahead of 2023 WASSCE – Report

As the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) approaches, concerns have been raised about the alarming increase in examination malpractices across schools in Ghana.

A recent investigation conducted by the esteemed Kwami Alorvi Research Team has shed light on the pervasive issue, revealing shocking details of widespread cheating and corruption within the education system.

The Ministry of Education’s decision to separate Ghana from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) in 2020 and conduct its own version of the WASSCE has inadvertently given rise to a surge in malpractices.

While examination irregularities have been a longstanding problem, they have taken on a more concerning form since the implementation of the free Senior High School (SHS) program.

The 2023 WASSCE is set to commence with practical examinations on July 31, 2023.

However, the Kwami Alorvi Research Team has received credible information indicating that teachers in numerous schools across various regions have begun soliciting money from WASSCE candidates to facilitate cheating in the upcoming examinations.

This distressing revelation has prompted the team to issue a warning and call on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and WAEC to address the issue promptly.

Regrettably, the team’s pursuit of truth has not come without risks. Threats have been directed at team members, urging them to halt their research on the grounds that their findings are deemed “embarrassing to the government.” Undeterred, the team remains resolute in their commitment to completing their mission, emphasizing that they will not be swayed by intimidation or fear. “We will only stop when we have finished our job, not when we are tired, threatened, or scared,” stated a member of the research team.

The persistence of examination malpractices can be attributed to a combination of factors.

One key factor is the inertia displayed by education authorities in addressing the issue.

The rush to implement the free SHS program led to various challenges, such as overcrowding, inadequate funding, and subpar facilities, which compromised the quality of education.

Rather than acknowledging and rectifying these issues, officials sought to achieve positive examination results at any cost, exerting pressure on headmasters, supervisors, and invigilators to ensure high pass rates.

Instances of vandalism, threats, and destruction of property have been reported when teachers attempted to intervene and prevent cheating.

Additionally, WAEC’s ability to effectively organize and monitor examinations has been severely hampered due to the government’s failure to remit owed fees in a timely manner.

As a result, WAEC has been unable to recruit sufficient staff to monitor exams adequately, leading to compromised monitoring processes and opportunities for malpractice.

Furthermore, the government’s indebtedness to WAEC has caused financial strain, making it challenging for WAEC to cancel and rerun examinations affected by leaks or extensive cheating.

Disturbingly, the commercialization of the WASSCE has exacerbated the problem, with headmasters and teachers actively engaging in fraudulent practices.

Some headmasters, in collaboration with Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) executives, extort money from candidates in exchange for assistance in cheating.

The ill-gotten gains are distributed among invigilators, school management, and PTAs. Levies imposed by heads of departments and subject teachers have also become prevalent.

Question papers are illicitly obtained and circulated to secluded areas within schools, where subject teachers solve them for candidates.

Subsequently, the answers are smuggled back into the examination halls for students to copy. In private schools, candidates pay individuals to write exams on their behalf through impersonation.

The Kwami Alorvi Research Team’s findings indicate that teachers have been collecting levies ranging from GH¢ 50 to GH¢ 200 per student, promising to aid them in cheating during the examinations.

Shockingly, these extorted funds have been used by teachers for personal indulgences, including rent advances, luxury purchases, and even marriage expenses.

Addressing this concerning situation requires concerted efforts from the GES, WAEC, and all stakeholders invested in Ghana’s education system.

The Director-General of the GES must demonstrate moral courage by holding headmasters accountable for allowing malpractices to occur within their schools.

Disciplinary measures, such as demotion and transfers, should be implemented against teachers involved in examination malpractices. Students who engage in destructive behavior should also face consequences.

Furthermore, it is imperative for the government to allocate adequate resources to WAEC by promptly releasing all absorbed fees.

If necessary, a revision of the free SHS policy should be considered, allowing parents to share the financial burden of registration fees.

With sufficient funding, WAEC can recruit additional staff members capable of effectively monitoring examination conduct. This would enable WAEC to cancel and rerun compromised papers, ensuring the integrity of the examination process.

The call to action extends to all Ghanaians, urging them to actively participate in reforming the examination system.

By collectively addressing this issue, Ghana can prevent the production of future leaders tainted by corruption and devoid of innovative thinking.

To paraphrase the Kwami Alorvi Research Team, supporting dishonest practices today for personal gain will inevitably fertilize our collective troubles in the future.

SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh