WAEC Confident of Reducing Exam Leakages, Appeals for Public Support

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has expressed strong confidence that incidents of examination leakages and malpractice will significantly decline in the upcoming Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and subsequent exams, including the WASSCE.

John Kapi, Head of Public Affairs at WAEC Ghana, made this assertion during an appearance on Badwam. He emphasized that while WAEC has rolled out several robust internal measures to protect the integrity of its examinations, ultimate success depends heavily on the collective responsibility of all stakeholders especially candidates, parents, teachers, and the general public.

“Leakages Can Be Reduced If Everyone Plays Their Part”

Speaking on the popular morning show, Mr. Kapi highlighted the persistent challenge of examination malpractice, popularly referred to as “apor” in Ghana the illegal purchase or circulation of leaked examination questions. He noted with concern that some parents actively purchase leaked papers for their children, while some candidates also engage in similar unethical practices.

“Examination malpractice can be reduced if all stakeholders play their part responsibly,” he stated.

Mr. Kapi stressed that WAEC has implemented enhanced security protocols, including tighter monitoring at printing presses, improved distribution systems, biometric verification where applicable, and collaboration with security agencies. However, these efforts can only go so far without the full cooperation of the public.

He appealed directly to parents to desist from buying mobile phones for their children during examination periods or sourcing “apor” materials, as these actions undermine the entire examination system and the future of the students they seek to help.

BECE 2026: Exams Begin Soon

The 2026 BECE for School and Private Candidates is scheduled to start on Monday, 4th May 2026, with English Language (Essay & Objective) and run through to Monday, 11th May 2026. With the examinations just days away, WAEC’s message is timely and urgent.

Mr. Kapi expressed optimism that the intensified measures introduced in recent years such as adjusted examination timings to prevent cross-border synchronization of papers and stricter invigilation will yield positive results in reducing leakages compared to previous years.

WAEC’s Ongoing Fight Against Malpractice

WAEC has consistently battled examination irregularities. In recent examinations (2025 BECE and WASSCE), the Council reported numerous cases involving:

• Seizure of mobile phones from candidates
• Arrests of invigilators, teachers, and impersonators
• Collusion and organized cheating in some centers

John Kapi has repeatedly warned that social media platforms (especially WhatsApp and Telegram) are increasingly being used to fuel malpractice. WAEC continues to monitor rogue websites and coordinates with national security agencies to track and prosecute offenders.

The Council’s rules are clear: candidates found guilty of malpractice face withheld or cancelled results, while officials or external persons involved can be handed over to the police for prosecution.

Why Public Support Matters

Mr. Kapi’s appeal underscores a critical reality: examination integrity is a shared responsibility.

• Parents must prioritize long-term character and genuine preparation over short-term “success” through cheating.
• Candidates are urged to focus on hard work, revision, and ethical conduct.
• Teachers and school authorities must resist any temptation to aid malpractice.
• The general public, including media houses and civil society, can help by reporting suspicious activities.

WAEC believes that when everyone plays their role responsibly, the culture of “apor” can be significantly diminished, restoring greater credibility to Ghana’s educational certificates both locally and internationally.

A Call to Action for the Class of 2026

As final-year BECE candidates prepare to sit their exams next week, WAEC’s message is clear: Prepare honestly. Excel legitimately.

The Council remains committed to delivering credible examinations. With sustained public support and stricter adherence to rules, the goal of minimizing leakages and malpractice is achievable.

Adisadel College and other leading institutions (currently running their WASSCE Academic Excellence Seminars) are already modeling the right approach intensive, syllabus-aligned revision and disciplined study instead of reliance on shortcuts.

Let’s Build a Culture of Integrity

Examination malpractice does not only damage individual futures it erodes national development by producing graduates whose certificates do not reflect true competence. WAEC’s confidence in reducing leakages is encouraging, but it requires every Ghanaian to stand firmly against this menace.

Parents, teachers, students, and stakeholders: Let us support WAEC’s efforts. The future of our children and the credibility of our education system depend on it.