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The Executive Director of Africa Education Watch (EduWatch), Kofi Asare, has revealed that some candidates sitting for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) attempt to influence examiners by hiding money inside their answer booklets in the hope of receiving favourable marks.
His comments come in the wake of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) announcing widespread sanctions over examination malpractice in the 2026 BECE.
The council disclosed that 601 candidates had their results cancelled, 167 results were withheld, while 2,722 suspected malpractice cases remain under investigation.
Speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Tuesday, August 4, Mr Asare said the practice of placing money inside examination scripts has become one of the unethical methods some candidates use in an attempt to secure better grades.
“In some instances, candidates put money in the examination scripts. They put money in the script for whoever is going to mark it,” he revealed.
According to him, candidates who engage in the practice believe examiners may be tempted to award them higher marks in exchange for the money hidden in their answer booklets.
However, Mr Asare stressed that the scheme can only succeed if an examiner abandons professional ethics.
He noted that honest examiners are expected to reject such attempts and immediately report them to the appropriate authorities instead of accepting the money.
He explained that maintaining integrity during the marking process is critical to preserving the credibility of Ghana’s national examinations.
The EduWatch Executive Director made the remarks while commenting on the growing concerns surrounding examination malpractice after WAEC released the provisional 2026 BECE results.
The council’s latest figures indicate that examination irregularities continue to pose a major challenge despite efforts to tighten supervision during examinations.
Apart from the cancellation of 601 results and the withholding of another 167, WAEC is still investigating thousands of suspected cases before making final decisions on the affected candidates.
The council has repeatedly warned candidates against engaging in any form of examination malpractice, including collusion, impersonation, possession of unauthorized materials, and other fraudulent practices.
Mr Asare believes the country must place greater emphasis on preventing examination malpractice rather than dealing with its consequences after the examinations have been written.
He called for stronger surveillance systems at examination centres, improved supervision, and increased investment in monitoring technologies to detect and deter cheating.
He also urged the Ministry of Education, WAEC, and other stakeholders to provide adequate logistical and financial support to institutions responsible for administering national examinations.
According to him, strengthening preventive measures will help protect the integrity of Ghana’s education system while ensuring that hardworking candidates receive the grades they genuinely deserve.
The EduWatch Executive Director further encouraged students to rely on preparation and hard work instead of dishonest shortcuts, stressing that academic success achieved through cheating ultimately undermines personal development and the value of educational certificates.
As WAEC continues its investigations into the remaining suspected malpractice cases, education stakeholders are expected to intensify discussions on how to reduce examination fraud and restore public confidence in the country’s assessment system.
The latest revelations also serve as a reminder that maintaining fairness and credibility in national examinations requires the collective effort of candidates, teachers, parents, examiners, and regulatory authorities.
