In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of national examinations, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) confiscated the mobile phone of an invigilator at the Armed Forces Senior High Technical School (AFSHTS) in Burma Camp.
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The device was found to contain pre-solved examination materials, triggering a full-scale investigation into the breach.
Discovery During Routine Monitoring
The breach came to light while WAEC officials were conducting their standard oversight during the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). During a monitoring sweep on Monday, August 25, 2025, invigilator Bright Amoah was found in possession of a mobile phone — despite regulations strictly prohibiting any such device in examination halls.
Upon examination, officials discovered that the phone held completed exam questions from the Oral English and Picture Making papers, even though these subjects had already been administered. This discovery prompted immediate action, including confiscation of the device and the start of disciplinary protocols.
Breach of Exam Integrity and Immediate Response
Photos and eyewitness testimonies confirm that the phone contained explicit question-and-answer content, indicating the invigilator may have been deliberately complicit in facilitating cheating. This meticulous planning poses a grave threat to the credibility of WAEC exams, potentially undermining fairness and public trust.
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In response, WAEC ordered the invigilator to produce a detailed written report explaining how such materials ended up on his device and the reasons for having it present in the exam hall—a clear violation of exam conduct regulations.
Deterrence and Institutional Crackdown
WAEC has reiterated its commitment to setting an uncompromising standard in academic integrity. Media releases and official statements underscore that those found guilty will face strict disciplinary action, potentially including prosecution under relevant legal frameworks.
Furthermore, this incident has fueled broader discussions about enhancing exam security. Proposals include bolstering pre-exam briefing sessions, installing surveillance systems in exam venues, and conducting more thorough vetting of invigilators and supporting staff.
The Broader Fight Against Exam Malpractice
While this case marks an extreme example of invigilator-assisted malpractice, education experts warn that such infractions are part of a larger systemic issue in Ghana’s education sector. Malpractice—ranging from leakage of exam materials to answer-sharing—is seen as a persistent barrier to academic integrity and a fair examination environment.
Stakeholders argue that the threat extends beyond student misbehavior; when exam officials themselves compromise the process, the entire system’s credibility is at risk. There have been earlier calls for continuous ethics training for educators and regular audits of exam centers to reduce opportunities for fraud.
Student and Public Sentiment
Word of the invigilator’s wrongdoing has drawn widespread public condemnation. Students, parents, and educators emphasize that such actions do a disservice to genuine academic effort and can unfairly tarnish the reputations of hardworking students.
Social media platforms have become a stage for fiery discourse, with comments such as, “If those overseeing exams cheat, how can students trust the process?” and, “We need transparency and fairness at all levels.”
Moving forward, WAEC is expected to launch a comprehensive investigation to uncover whether the incident was isolated or part of a larger network. The school administration and educational authorities are cooperating fully, pledging to support the legal and regulatory process.
The examination body is also urging all exam center overseers across the country to strictly adhere to regulations and avoid any behavior that could cast doubt on exam credibility.
Protecting Ghana’s Academic Standard
The seizure of the invigilator’s phone at AFSHTS is a stark reminder of the threats facing our education system’s integrity. Upholding secure and transparent examinations is not just about maintaining order—it’s about safeguarding a fair path for every learner.
By responding swiftly, transparently, and firmly, WAEC reaffirms its dedication to exam integrity and the future of Ghanaian education.
