Ghana Minute.
Tuesday, 5 May 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Tuesday, 5 May 2026
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Organization

West African Examinations Council

Also known as: WAEC

West African Examinations Council — conducts the Basic Education Certificate Examination in Ghana, enforcing anti-cheating measures and adjusting exam procedures to prevent irregularities.

The West African Examinations Council has implemented heightened anti-cheating measures for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination, which began May 4 with over 620,000 candidates across 20,395 schools. WAEC has banned mobile phones, barred supervisors and invigilators under investigation for malpractice, arrested five individuals for exam irregularities, and warned that violations including examination malpractice will result in result cancellations and bans from future examinations.

2026-04-272026-05-05
Society

BECE distribution delays in rural areas are logistical, not unusual

The News

Ghana Education Watch's executive secretary Kofi Asare characterised delays in BECE material distribution to some parts of the country as common logistical challenges in hard-to-reach areas due to transportation and connectivity constraints, rather than examination irregularities. He noted that such delays do not undermine the credibility of the examination process and blamed infrastructural limitations.

13 hours ago · Joy Online

Yesterday

  1. BECE distribution delays in rural areas are logistical, not unusual

    Ghana Education Watch's executive secretary Kofi Asare characterised delays in BECE material distribution to some parts of the country as common logistical challenges in hard-to-reach areas due to transportation and connectivity constraints, rather than examination irregularities. He noted that such delays do not undermine the credibility of the examination process and blamed infrastructural limitations.

    13 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. Five arrested for BECE exam malpractice across Ghana

    The West African Examinations Council has confirmed the arrest of five individuals for examination malpractice during the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination, with specific details to be released after investigations conclude. WAEC is also deploying additional oversight measures and engaging community stakeholders to discourage exam irregularities.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online

  3. Lawra MP urges BECE candidates away from exam malpractice

    The Member of Parliament for Lawra has urged BECE candidates in the municipality to avoid examination malpractice and assured them success is possible through honest effort. He distributed mathematical sets to 342 candidates at one centre and pledged daily meals throughout the examination period, with a total of 994 candidates sitting the exam across three centres in the municipality.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online

  4. Education Minister calls WAEC to reform exam material delivery

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has called on WAEC to review how examination papers are transported and delivered to centres after delays in delivery of BECE materials at a Western North Region school meant question papers had not arrived by 9:15 am. The Minister said the system needs urgent attention and reforms in how exam materials are handled and distributed.

    17 hours ago · Joy Online

  5. Eight teachers convicted for 2025 BECE examination malpractice

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu announced that eight teachers and invigilators have been convicted and sentenced for facilitating cheating during the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination. The convictions are part of efforts to curb examination malpractice; 178 candidates were affected in last year's BECE, with some papers withheld and others cancelled.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online

  6. Education Minister tours BECE supervision after malpractice cases

    Ghana's Education Minister has begun a monitoring tour of the 2026 BECE in the Sefwi area following reported examination malpractice incidents in the Western North Region, including cases of invigilators dictating answers and candidates possessing unauthorized materials. The Ghana Education Service has confirmed multiple malpractice cases in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality during the 2025 BECE, with 46 cases nationwide under investigation involving teachers and invigilators.

    22 hours ago · Joy Online

  7. BECE candidates urged to shun cheating; Old Students donate supplies

    At a donation event in Atwima Kwanwoma District, the Aduwamase Old Students Association presented mathematical sets, pens, and rulers to BECE candidates, with association president Mensah Francis urging students to approach the examination with discipline, concentrate on their studies, and avoid examination malpractice.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online

  8. Education Minister encourages BECE candidates ahead of exams

    Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has sent a goodwill message to 2026 BECE candidates, urging them to approach the exams with confidence, composure, and academic honesty. The examination runs from May 4 to May 11, with 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools participating nationwide.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online

  9. WAEC bans phones, warns BECE candidates of exam sanctions

    The West African Examinations Council has cautioned over 620,000 candidates sitting the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination to avoid assaults on officials, possession of prohibited items including mobile phones, or examination malpractice, warning that violations could result in cancellation of results and bans from future examinations. The nationwide exam begins Monday, May 4, across 20,395 schools.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online

  10. 620,000 candidates sit BECE as WAEC intensifies anti-cheating

    Some 620,000 candidates are taking the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination from May 4 to 11, with WAEC tightening anti-cheating measures including barring supervisors and invigilators under investigation for malpractice from participating, and warning candidates that possession of prohibited materials and misconduct toward officials will face severe sanctions.

    4 May 2026 · Joy Online

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