GES Bans Over 40 Invigilators Ahead of BECE Over Exam Malpractice

The Ghana Education Service has taken a firm step to protect the integrity of this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), banning more than 40 invigilators over their involvement in malpractice during last year’s exams.

For many students and parents, the decision signals a renewed effort to ensure that hard work—not shortcuts—determines success. Concerns had been growing about how widespread cheating was becoming, with fears that honest candidates were being unfairly disadvantaged.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on April 30, Director-General Ernest Davis revealed that the offences were not minor. Some invigilators allegedly shared mobile phones with candidates, others distributed pre-prepared answers, and a few were even caught solving questions for students inside the examination halls.

In total, 17 cases involved mobile phone misuse, 13 invigilators were caught handing out answers, and six were directly assisting candidates during the exams. There were also reports of unauthorized materials being smuggled into exam centres, coordinated cheating schemes, and even an attempted bribe by a parent.

Professor Davis made it clear that the ban is only the beginning. According to him, further disciplinary measures are underway, and those found guilty could face sanctions from professional bodies, or even prosecution.

For students preparing to sit this year’s BECE, the message is clear: the system is tightening, and there will be little room for malpractice.