The Savannah Regional Directorate of the Ghana Education Service has intensified its fight against examination malpractice, with a strong warning from the Regional Director of Education, Mr. Bright Lawoe, that students who engage in such acts ultimately undermine their own future.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Damongo Community Centre, Mr. Lawoe did not mince words: “You are a loser and not a winner when you indulge in examination malpractice.” He emphasized that while malpractice may offer temporary gains, it ultimately erodes integrity, competence, and long-term success.
The event formed part of a nationwide campaign aimed at curbing examination malpractice across the country. It brought together key stakeholders, including all six Municipal and District Directors of Education in the Savannah Region, representatives of traditional authorities, religious bodies, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), security services, as well as students and management of Damongo Senior High School and Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Lawoe described examination malpractice as a growing “canker” that, if left unchecked, could have serious consequences for the education system and the nation at large. He, however, noted that while the Savannah Region is not deeply affected compared to other regions, proactive steps are being taken to ensure the situation does not escalate. He announced plans for intensified monitoring during the upcoming BECE and WASSCE examinations to minimize malpractice.
A representative of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service, Mr. Fusseini Abdul Samed, presented statistics on examination malpractice from 2023 to 2025, covering both BECE and WASSCE. He highlighted that malpractice occurs before, during, and after examinations, involving not only students but also invigilators, security personnel, and examiners. He further outlined the serious consequences offenders face.
During the engagement, stakeholders participated in a question-and-answer session, raising concerns and proposing solutions. Mr. Dawuda Osman, representing the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), pointed out the increasing difficulty in securing invigilators due to safety concerns.
He revealed that strict teachers are often targeted by students seeking to cheat, with some parents allegedly supporting malpractice in a bid to secure placements in Category A schools for their wards.
Students also contributed to the discussion. Ibrahim, a student of Ndewura Jakpa Senior High School, encouraged his peers to focus on their studies as the best way to avoid malpractice.
Zeinab Abass suggested that authorities introduce policies to support pregnant students while maintaining discipline, and Zuleiha Alhassan proposed incentive-based rewards for high-performing students to motivate academic excellence.
The engagement ended on a strong note, with renewed commitment from stakeholders to work collectively in combating examination malpractice and promoting academic integrity across the region.
