2024 BECE: 149 School Results Withheld for Malpractices

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the provisional results for candidates who participated in the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for both School and Private Candidates. The release, issued on Saturday, October 19, 2024, followed investigations into multiple cases of examination malpractices detected during the exams and the marking of scripts.

In a statement signed by John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, the council disclosed several actions taken due to irregularities. As part of the sanctions, the subject results of 377 school candidates and three private candidates were cancelled for bringing unauthorized materials into the examination hall or colluding with other candidates. Additionally, the entire results of 41 school candidates and one private candidate were nullified.

Moreover, the results of 33 school candidates and three private candidates have been withheld pending further investigation. WAEC has also withheld specific subject results of candidates from 149 schools due to reported irregularities. The outcome of the ongoing investigations will determine whether these withheld results will be cancelled or released.

A total of 569,236 candidates took the school examination, comprising 282,703 males and 286,533 females from 19,505 participating schools. The candidates included 59 with visual impairments, 263 with hearing impairments, and 161 who required other forms of test accommodation. The examination was conducted at 2,123 centers nationwide.

Out of the total number of registered candidates, 3,845 did not sit for the exams. The BECE for Private Candidates saw 1,390 participants—750 males and 640 females—spread across 15 centers, primarily located in regional capitals. Among these, 57 candidates were absent.

Following the investigations, WAEC’s Final Awards and Examiners’ Appointment Committee approved the sanctions during its 35th meeting on October 16, 2024. The measures aim to maintain the integrity of the examination and deter future malpractices.

WAEC has cautioned all stakeholders, including candidates and parents, against falling prey to fraudsters who claim they can alter examination results for a fee. The council emphasized that its results are secure and can be verified for authenticity.

The council expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, security agencies, heads of schools, supervisors, invigilators, examiners, and all other parties who contributed to the successful conduct of the 2024 BECE and the release of the results.

The council’s actions serve as a reminder of its commitment to upholding the credibility of its examinations while ensuring fairness and transparency in the assessment process.