The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a stern warning to supervisors and invigilators ahead of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates (WASSCE-SC), cautioning that anyone caught aiding examination malpractice will face immediate dismissal.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Acting Director-General of the GES, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, emphasized the council’s commitment to upholding the integrity of Ghana’s education system. He revealed that the GES Council has empowered the service to summarily dismiss any supervisor or invigilator found engaging in or facilitating cheating during the exams.
“We want to protect the integrity of our examinations. The message is clear: if any invigilator or supervisor is caught, they will be dismissed,” Prof. Davis stated.
He urged all officials involved in the examination process to maintain discipline and uphold ethical standards. The GES has called on stakeholders—teachers, parents, school authorities, and security services—to support efforts to ensure that this year’s exams are free from any form of malpractice or collusion.
Security Measures in Conflict-Prone Areas
Prof. Davis also addressed concerns about candidates in conflict-prone areas such as Bawku SHS and Zuarungu SHS in the Upper East Region, Nalerigu SHS in the North East Region, and Nkwanta SHS in the Oti Region. He assured the public that adequate security arrangements had been made in collaboration with national security agencies.
“There will be a heavy security presence and, where necessary, escorts for students. Security posts will be established in these schools to ensure law and order throughout the examination period,” he added.
Examination Details
The 2025 WASSCE-SC officially kicks off with practical examinations, while written papers are scheduled to run from August 20 to September 19. A total of 461,640 candidates from across the country are expected to sit for the examination—207,381 males and 254,259 females—across 701 examination centres.
Each candidate will take an average of eight subjects out of the 65 offered. The GES has also disbursed GH¢15,849,920 to cover the cost of practical exam fees for candidates nationwide.
Prof. Davis congratulated the candidates and encouraged them to study diligently and avoid relying on leaked materials or external help. “There will be no ‘apo’. They should focus on independent work because any form of malpractice will come with severe consequences,” he warned.
WAEC Issues Similar Warning
In a related development, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has echoed the GES’s call for integrity during the examinations. The Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, stated that the council has deployed officials from WAEC’s head office, the GES, and the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) to monitor the exams closely.
“All necessary security arrangements are in place. The project work for practical subjects like Basketry, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Jewellery, and Leatherwork begins today,” Kapi disclosed.
He also cautioned supervisors and invigilators to avoid the mistakes of those previously prosecuted during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). “Everyone has been trained and briefed, and the necessary logistics have been provided. We are ready, and all candidates have received the required instructions and materials,” he said.
A Ghana-Only Exam Calendar
This year marks the fourth edition of the Ghana-Only WASSCE-SC, following the return of the other WAEC member countries—Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia—to the May/June examination calendar.
As the 2025 WASSCE begins, all eyes will be on the GES, WAEC, and the broader educational community to ensure that the exams are conducted with fairness, integrity, and security, setting a high standard for future candidates.
Published By: Justice Donkoh | GESHub.org
