In the pursuit of a fair and transparent examination system, it is imperative to address the issue of collusion and exam fraud head-on.
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) plays an important role in conducting external exams like the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
However, the current practice of utilizing teachers and Ghana Education Service (GES) staff as invigilators and supervisors poses a corruption risk that cannot be ignored.
Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), a vigilant advocate for educational integrity under the leadership of Kofi Asare, suggests a radical shift in the dynamics of exam invigilation. One crucial step is to discontinue the involvement of teachers and GES staff in these roles.
The inherent conflict of interest arises when teachers are tasked with supervising their own students. In complicit schools, a group of teachers often becomes the primary beneficiaries of exam fraud, reaping illicit profits at the expense of academic integrity.
To address this challenge, EduWatch proposes the engagement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), religious groups, and other external actors to take on the responsibilities of invigilation and supervision.
Drawing parallels with the successful use of external entities like CODEO in election monitoring for decades, this approach can bring in a fresh perspective and significantly reduce the risk of collusion.
Furthermore, EduWatch emphasizes the need for stringent consequences for those found guilty of engaging in exam fraud. The GES should adopt a zero-tolerance policy and promptly dismiss teachers involved in such malpractices.
The prospect of outright dismissal serves as a powerful deterrent, sending a clear message that exam fraud will not be tolerated within the educational system.
In addition, EduWatch recommends a fundamental shift in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for school heads. The current reliance on pass rates (outcome indicators) creates perverse incentives that may drive some school heads to either sponsor or condone collusion between teachers and candidates to meet targets. Instead, the focus should shift to output indicators that promote quality education and ethical conduct.
Another critical aspect highlighted by EduWatch is the enforcement of the ban on mobile phones during exams. Despite existing regulations, the prevalence of mobile phones among final year Senior High School students remains a challenge.
GES must take proactive measures to enforce its own ban, as the responsibility ultimately lies with the educational authorities.
Conclusion
EduWatch asserts that confronting exam fraud requires a holistic approach that goes beyond mere rhetoric and political blame games.
By implementing these proposed measures – discontinuing the use of teachers as invigilators, enforcing strict consequences for fraud, redefining school head KPIs, and ensuring the effective ban on mobile phones – Ghana can pave the way for a more transparent, credible, and trustworthy examination system.
EduWatch stands firm in its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the educational landscape for the benefit of present and future generations.
Source: GESHub.org
