2024 BECE: 16 Teachers Arrested for involvement in Examination Malpractice

During the ongoing 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examinations (BECE) for School and Private Candidates, a total of 16 teachers have been apprehended across various examination centres in Ghana for their involvement in examination malpractice. The arrests were conducted by the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) and local agents acting on behalf of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and subsequently handed over to the police for further legal action.

According to John Kapi, the Head of the Public Relations Unit of WAEC, the arrests included three teachers—Patience Serwaah, Oscar Ben Azumah, and Thomas Gyimadu—who were caught attempting to assist candidates at the Save our Souls exam centre in Bekwai, Ashanti Region. Additionally, Christian Osei and Kyei Baffour Alex, unrelated to the examination, were also arrested at the same centre for similar reasons.

At Jinijini Senior High School in the Bono Region, two invigilators, Kingsley Boateng and Atibu James, were caught taking snapshots of English Language question papers and sharing them on a WhatsApp platform named “Koraso Ma JHS.” Similarly, at Nkoranza Senior High School in the Bono East Region, invigilator Abeam Danso was found with a mobile phone containing answers to Religious and Moral Education questions.

Further incidents were reported at Chemu Senior High School in Tema, where teacher Amoako Joseph was arrested for photographing question papers and posting them on the platform “Apor Lord for BECE 2024.” Another invigilator, Patrick Faaweerie of Liberty Hills School in Greater Accra, was apprehended for similar misconduct involving the Science paper.

In Ashanti Region’s Jachie Pramso, invigilators Ebenezer Danso and Emmanuel Mensah were found with unauthorized mobile phones and answer sheets during the English Language examination. Additionally, four teachers from DESVY International School—Thomas Ativor, Emmanuel Ammisah, Edwin Goodluck, and Richard Boateng—were arrested at Santoe Basic School for assisting students by solving Science questions on their school bus.

John Kapi emphasized that prior to the examinations, briefing sessions were conducted with district directors and supervisors, clearly outlining regulations against bringing mobile phones to examination centres. Despite these warnings, several individuals disregarded the rules, leading to their arrests.

In a statement to candidates, WAEC advised against seeking assistance from invigilators, supervisors, or any external parties, stressing that such actions constitute a breach of examination rules. Mr. Kapi reiterated confidence in candidates’ ability to answer questions independently, urging them to refrain from compromising their results through dishonest means.

WAEC expressed reluctance towards canceling subjects or entire results but emphasized the importance of upholding integrity in the examination process. The council wished candidates success in the remainder of their examinations, underscoring the importance of fair play and adherence to established guidelines.