As the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) begins nationwide, University of Ghana lecturer Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah has issued a strong warning to teachers and invigilators against any form of examination malpractice, stressing that such acts undermine education and have long-term consequences for students.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the governance analyst condemned attempts by some teachers to assist candidates through dishonest means, including leaking answers or colluding with invigilators.
“Also teachers who want to connive and collaborate for students to cheat must be careful, shame on them,” he said.
He alleged that in some cases, answers are prepared and given to students during examinations, while in others, financial inducements are offered to invigilators to allow cheating.
“Some people will copy and answer questions and bring them to students. Some teachers will also collect money so that it will be given to invigilators to allow the students to copy. It is not the best,” he warned.
Dr Otchere-Ankrah cautioned that helping weak students to pass through dishonest means only creates deeper problems later in life.
“Because if a student is not good in a particular subject and they are assisted to pass their exams, they will continue, and it has repercussions,” he explained.
He also urged parents to avoid putting pressure on teachers or children by normalising academic dishonesty or offering financial shortcuts to success.
“If parents also create the impression that even if their children don’t pass, they will pay their way through, that is how stealing and corruption starts,” he noted.
Instead, he encouraged a culture of discipline, study, and genuine academic effort.
“We must encourage the children to study and write their exams because if they learn, they will excel,” he said.
Turning his attention to exam supervision, the lecturer called on invigilators to remain fair, calm, and professional throughout the examination period.
“Invigilators must have time and be patient with the candidates. There is no need to intimidate or cause panic and fear,” he added.
His remarks come as over 620,000 candidates across Ghana sit for this year’s BECE, with education authorities intensifying efforts to curb malpractice and ensure the credibility of the examination process.
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