Exam Fraud Evolving, WAEC Warns

Accra: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has acknowledged that despite ongoing efforts to curb examination malpractice, the issue persists, now with increasingly sophisticated methods. Mr. John K. Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, said the Council did not absolve itself entirely from certain unfortunate incidents that had occurred during examinations.According to Ghana News Agency, speaking at a stakeholder meeting to address the problem, Mr. Kapi stated that WAEC had taken disciplinary action against several staff members whose actions had tarnished the Council's image. He noted a rise in the use of Telegram and WhatsApp platforms to trade questions and answers during ongoing examinations. Candidates were also using electronic devices such as mobile phones and tablets to cheat and were sourcing answers from Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms. He also cited cases of photocopied answers being circulated among candidates and instances where candidates paid for assistance during exams.Mr. Kapi expressed WAEC's commitment to partnering with stakeholders to minimise malpractice and ultimately eliminate it. "The future of our country depends on you and us. There is an urgent call to action. If we work together, we can build a fair and credible system, and we would be able to produce young men and women who can effectively contribute their quota to the development of our dear country. The future of education in our country is still bright. There are a few rough edges that must be polished in order to make this a reality," he said.He emphasised that WAEC remained capable of conducting credible examinations and assessing students based on their true knowledge and abilities. "By this we can promote a level playing field where everyone has an equal chance to succeed based on effort and not cheating. We must resolve here and now, individually and collectively, to contribute our quota towards the achievement of this noble objective - to protect the sanctity of examinations."Mr. Kapi said that the co untry's future rests with educators, assessors, and key stakeholders. "Posterity will hold us all responsible for the roles we play in producing a teacher who cannot deliver a good lesson, medical officer who prescribes the wrong medication to patients, lawyers who will not be able to defend clients in court." He reminded stakeholders that integrity remained the foundation of lasting excellence. "We must not abandon it for temporary gains. Let us be guided by our conscience and not our individual parochial interests."Hajia Katum Natogmah Atiah, Greater Accra Regional Director of Education, Ghana Education Service, said truancy was impacting examination integrity and that truant students should not be allowed to sit exams. Nana Dr Apiagyei Dankawoso I, a member of the WAEC Endowment Fund Board of Trustees, urged the government to settle outstanding debts owed to the Council to improve staff motivation. "Government owes WAEC so much but expect it to work. Pay WAEC so it can deliver. Let's walk the walk and se e how best to reduce malpractices," he said.Some stakeholders proposed the serialization of questions, introduction of Internet-assisted examinations, and the use of experienced teachers as invigilators to help curb malpractice.