Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for urgent and collective action to safeguard the credibility of examinations conducted by West African Examinations Council, warning that rising cases of certificate forgery and exam malpractice pose a serious threat to educational standards in West Africa.
Addressing the 74th Annual Council Meeting of WAEC in Accra, she stressed that maintaining trust in the examination system is critical to the region’s academic and professional future. She cautioned that unchecked malpractice could weaken the value of qualifications relied upon by institutions and employers across the subregion.
The Vice President emphasized that the fight against examination malpractice must go beyond regulatory bodies, calling on parents, educators, traditional leaders, and students to play active roles in promoting integrity. She underscored the need for strict invigilation and consistent enforcement of rules to deter cheating.
“This is not just a challenge for WAEC alone,” she noted, adding that it reflects a broader societal responsibility to uphold honesty and discipline within the education system.
The meeting brought together representatives from member countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia, highlighting WAEC’s long-standing role in regional collaboration since its establishment in 1952.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also urged the council to adopt innovative assessment methods that go beyond testing knowledge to evaluating creativity and critical thinking, ensuring students remain competitive globally in an increasingly technology-driven world.
She reaffirmed the Government of Ghana’s commitment to supporting WAEC’s operations and strengthening its structures, noting that the council has, for decades, produced graduates who have contributed significantly to national and regional development.
The event also celebrated academic excellence, with three Ghanaian students emerging as top performers in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), a development the Vice President said should inspire greater dedication and integrity among students across the region.
