The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced plans to introduce digital examinations for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the coming years.
According to the Council, the initiative forms part of broader reforms aimed at curbing the growing menace of examination malpractice and modernizing assessment systems across the sub-region.
Speaking on Starr Today on Starr FM on Friday, September 12, the Head of Public Affairs at WAEC, John Kapi, said the decision is not a knee-jerk response to this year’s challenges but rather a deliberate step to align with global trends in education.
“This is not related to the current examinations or the results of what has happened this year. The move is part of our long-term vision to digitalize the conduct of examinations, reduce human involvement, and strengthen credibility,” he explained.
Mr. Kapi revealed that WAEC has been working closely with its regional partners, including Nigeria, which has already piloted the digital model with positive results. The system, he explained, will centralize the examination process, making it more secure and efficient.
“By the click of a button, candidates across the country will access their examination papers on computers and submit their responses directly to a central unit for marking. This will eliminate the risks associated with paper leakages, photocopying, and other malpractices that have plagued the system for years,” he added.
Examination malpractice has remained a recurring challenge for WAEC, with frequent reports of leaked papers, impersonation, and the use of unauthorized materials during both WASSCE and BECE. Education stakeholders have consistently called for stronger measures to restore confidence in the credibility of WAEC’s assessments.
Mr. Kapi said the digital model is designed to address these concerns, with features such as randomized questions and automated submissions expected to minimize opportunities for cheating.
One of the major concerns about a digital examination system in Ghana is the issue of internet connectivity, especially in rural areas. Mr. Kapi assured that the Council has factored this into its rollout plans to ensure no candidate is disadvantaged.
“While we are moving digital, we also recognize that some areas do not have reliable internet access. These challenges have been considered in our planning, and we will adopt solutions that allow every candidate to participate regardless of location,” he stated.
WAEC intends to begin with pilot programs in selected regions before expanding nationwide. The Council is also collaborating with international technology partners to ensure the platform is secure and robust enough to handle the scale of examinations conducted annually.
Mr. Kapi stressed that the successful implementation of digital examinations would not only help curb malpractice but also prepare students for a future where digital literacy is essential.
“If we are able to roll this out successfully, it will mark a turning point in our examination system. It will enhance credibility, reduce malpractice, and align Ghana’s assessment system with global standards,” he emphasized.
Over the years, the credibility of WAEC examinations has come under public scrutiny due to repeated reports of exam leakages and cheating scandals.
In some instances, social media platforms have been used to circulate leaked papers even hours before the exams. These incidents have sparked calls from parents, teachers, and civil society groups for reforms to safeguard the integrity of the system.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
