The Ministry of Education has wished all final-year students success as the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) begins across 1,017 centers nationwide, while issuing a strong warning against examination malpractice.
A total of 509,862 candidates are sitting for the exams this year, comprising 225,274 boys and 284,588 girls from 1,020 schools.
The figure represents an increase of 48,126 candidates, or 10.4%, compared to last year’s 461,736 candidates.
In a statement signed by Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Ministry urged candidates to remain calm, focused, and disciplined, and to trust in their preparation.
Zero tolerance for malpractice:
The Ministry cautioned against all forms of examination malpractice, saying it fully supports the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and other stakeholders in safeguarding the credibility of the WASSCE.
“Candidates are reminded that involvement in any form of cheating can result in serious consequences, including cancellation of papers, disqualification, and possible legal sanctions,” the statement said. “No examination result is worth jeopardizing one’s future.”
The warning also extends to invigilators, supervisors, teachers, school officials, and external persons who may attempt to assist candidates. The Ministry stressed that examination fraud remains a major threat to the integrity of Ghana’s education system and will not be tolerated.
The Ministry revealed that *43 teachers* arrested for malpractice during the just-ended Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) will face the full rigors of the law. It warned that anyone found aiding, facilitating, or engaging in malpractice during the WASSCE would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Ministry said it is considering a public proposal to publish the names of adults caught engaging in BECE malpractice.
It called on parents, teachers, school authorities, security agencies, and the public to support efforts to protect the integrity of the examination process and ensure it is conducted peacefully, credibly, and transparently.
