GES Bans Invigilators Linked to BECE Malpractice Ahead of 2026 Exams
Over 620,000 candidates to sit nationwide exams as Service tightens measures to ensure credibility
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has disqualified all teachers and invigilators connected to malpractice during the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) from participating in this year’s exams, as over 620,000 candidates prepare to write the papers starting Monday.
Speaking at a press briefing, the Director-General of GES, Ernest Kofi Davis, said the decision is part of broader efforts to restore integrity and public trust in the examination system.
“The Ghana Education Service (GES) has officially barred all supervisors and invigilators implicated in examination malpractice during the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) from participating in this year’s exercise,” he stated.
He noted that many of the affected individuals are still under investigation and have been prohibited from taking part in any aspect of the 2026 exams.
“Investigations into the alleged malpractice cases are nearing completion,” he added, indicating that final disciplinary actions will be announced in due course.
Mr Davis emphasised that the Service is placing a premium on credibility, even if it means making difficult decisions. To ensure effective monitoring, he disclosed that 21,791 thoroughly vetted invigilators have been deployed nationwide.
The 2026 BECE is scheduled to take place from May 4 to May 11, with a total of 620,141 candidates expected to participate. This includes 304,349 boys and 315,792 girls from 20,395 schools across the country. The figure marks a 2.7 percent increase compared to the 603,328 candidates who sat for the exams in 2025.
He assured the public that all necessary preparations have been completed, stressing that the removal of compromised officials will help ensure a fair and transparent examination process.
Additionally, GES has intensified public education through a nationwide sensitisation campaign across all 16 regions, targeting students, parents, and teachers on the consequences of engaging in examination malpractice.
Mr Davis also revealed that several malpractice cases from the previous year are still being reviewed, with steps underway to sanction individuals found guilty.
On school placements, he announced that some adjustments will be made to the selection process this year, adding that placements will commence immediately after the exams conclude on May 11, 2026.
