WAEC cancels 2026 results of 8,295 candidates over examination irregularities

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has declared null and void the results of 8,295 students who took the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), due to various irregularities that were uncovered during the examinations. According to WAEC, 7,434 candidates had their results cancelled for bringing foreign materials into the examination rooms, such as prepared notes, textbooks, and printed materials.

Additionally, the Council cancelled the full results of 861 students for having mobile phones during the exams. Furthermore, 957 candidates saw their subject results withheld, while 270 had their entire results withheld due to suspected offenses. The cancellations and withholdings came after a thorough investigation into the irregularities, which was reviewed at the 42nd meeting of the Ghana Examinations Committee on August 7, 2026.

The results of 169 schools are still under investigation, and their outcomes could either be released or cancelled depending on the investigation's findings. These investigations are expected to conclude by October 30, 2026. The Council has provided a platform for candidates to find out the reasons for the cancellation or withholding of their results and the necessary next steps.

WAEC has also issued a stern warning to candidates and other stakeholders against fraudsters who claim to have the ability to upgrade examination results for a fee, asserting that their results are secure and can be verified through their results verification system.