Ghana’s exam rigidity driving cheating culture — MP calls for reforms
The Member of Parliament for Afram Plains North, Worlase Kpeli, is calling for reforms to Ghana’s examination system.
He observed that the country's current rigid examination structure is contributing to rising cases of malpractice.
His remarks come amid increasing concerns over misconduct in the ongoing 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which has already recorded some incidents of alleged cheating.
The Ghana Education Service has confirmed the arrest of seven invigilators following reported malpractice on the first day of the examination on Monday, May 4.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, Mr Kpeli said the pressure associated with the exam system is creating fear among students and influencing unethical behaviour.
He said a rethink of the system is necessary to reduce stress and improve learning outcomes.
The lawmaker further noted that in some education systems, fewer subjects and more flexible learning approaches help reduce academic pressure on students.
“Examination within the East African society… you will see that from this basic level, children don't have that stress of exams. They are free to explore a lot more but ours is too rigid,” he said.
Mr Kpeli further argued that Ghana needs a broader conversation on how examinations are structured and administered.
“We must find a dialog moment where we need to do something psychologically prepare our children, our teachers and even the examiners for what examination is about,” he added.
He stressed that proper psychological preparation for all actors in the education system could help curb malpractice and improve integrity in national examinations.