Dark World of BECE documentary: Exposed officials to be blacklisted by WAEC 

 

WAEC to Blacklist Officials Implicated in BECE Malpractice.

The credibility of national examinations has once again come under the spotlight following a recent exposé by JoyNews, which uncovered systemic malpractice during the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). 

In response, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that officials found complicit in the scandal will be permanently blacklisted from all WAEC-related activities.

John Kapi, WAEC’s Director of Public Affairs, confirmed the move during an interview on PM Express on September 8. According to him, the Council cannot continue to entrust such sensitive responsibilities to individuals who have betrayed public confidence.

“These are people who have clearly shown they cannot be trusted. Once blacklisted, they will not be allowed to take part in any WAEC activity,” he stated.

Revelations from the ‘Dark World of BECE’ Documentary

The investigative documentary, Dark World of BECE, spearheaded by journalist Francisca Enchil, revealed disturbing levels of corruption at exam centres, including Derby Avenue RC Basic School and St. George’s Anglican Basic School in Accra.

Invigilators reportedly demanded GH¢60 daily, supervisors received envelopes containing GH¢400, and candidates were asked to contribute to an “Aseda Offertory.” Instead of enforcing discipline, supervisors protected corrupt officials by warning them whenever WAEC or National Security monitors were nearby. Teachers and headteachers, who were prohibited from the exam premises, also bribed their way in to provide candidates with answers.

The revelations have triggered nationwide outrage. The Acting Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, has warned that teachers caught in such acts risk outright dismissal. Civil society organisations, including Africa Education Watch, have also raised concerns that such practices are normalising corruption among schoolchildren.

Wider Crackdown on Examination Malpractice

This exposé comes at a time when WAEC has intensified its efforts to preserve the integrity of national assessments. The Council recently reported that at least 14 individuals—including teachers, students, and invigilators—were arrested during the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In one instance, a teacher, Samuel Armah, was caught dictating answers from his phone during the Social Studies Paper. He was sentenced to eight months in prison and fined 80 penalty units. Similarly, two university students, Kwame Oteng Nkansah and Amedeka James, received jail terms for impersonation.

WAEC has also taken administrative measures, including cancelling or withholding the results of over 2,200 BECE candidates after investigations into widespread irregularities.

GES Interventions and Funding Support

Ahead of the WASSCE, the GES released GH¢15.8 million to cover the cost of practical examinations for Senior High and Technical Schools. This was aimed at preventing extra financial burdens on parents while ensuring a smooth exam process. GES has also cautioned against misappropriation of these funds, warning of strict sanctions for non-compliance.

The Bigger Picture

The disturbing revelations highlight a growing challenge to the credibility of public examinations. Stakeholders, including WAEC, GES, and civil society, are now under pressure to tighten monitoring systems and hold perpetrators accountable.

As calls for reform intensify, the scandal serves as a reminder that safeguarding the integrity of national examinations is not only about fairness but also about protecting the moral fabric of the country’s education system.



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