BECE: WhatsApp, Telegram, and other social media platforms fueling exam malpractices – WAEC

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has sounded the alarm over the growing threat of digital-enabled cheating, warning that social media is becoming a dangerous breeding ground for widespread examination malpractices.

Appearing on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Friday, June 13, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, issued a stark warning about the scale of the problem. He said the Council is increasingly battling an organized web of online cheating rings using platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram to leak exam materials and coordinate misconduct in real-time.

“Social media has created a bigger problem than we anticipated. Of course, there are good sides to it, but people are exploiting it on the negative side. With the advent of mobile phones, WhatsApp, Telegram, and others, it's become difficult to curb examination malpractice,” he stated.

Kapi’s remarks come amid a growing public outcry over the erosion of integrity in national examinations, especially with the rise of tech-savvy schemes designed to beat the system. WAEC, he revealed, is doubling down on surveillance and reforming its security architecture to stay ahead of the curve as the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) approaches.

In the face of these challenges, WAEC is also receiving much-needed support from the government. Mr. Kapi disclosed that the state has already released a significant portion of the funds required to conduct the exams successfully.

“As we speak, the government has paid a little above 50% of the amount we need for the BECE. Assurances have been made, and if all of them are fulfilled, there will be no hitches, and the results will be released appropriately for candidates to move on to their next stage,” he assured.

He further noted that the 2025 BECE timetable had been adjusted not only to make room for the upcoming Muslim festival but also as part of efforts to harmonize Ghana’s academic calendar with that of other WAEC member states, particularly the May–June exam cycle.

With the stakes higher than ever, WAEC is intensifying its efforts to preserve the credibility of Ghana’s education system and protect the future of candidates who rely on fair assessments for their academic progression.