WAEC questions effectiveness of searches after phones found on candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) expressed concerns over the security measures at certain examination centers following the discovery of mobile phones among candidates during the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, stated that supervisors and invigilators have been directed to perform thorough searches before allowing candidates into the examination rooms.

In a recent interview on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Kapi highlighted the ongoing issues regarding the effectiveness of these searches. He emphasized that the rules mandate the cancellation of candidates' entire results if they are found with a mobile phone, irrespective of its usage during the exam. According to WAEC, 861 candidates had their entire results annulled in the 2026 WASSCE for possessing mobile phones.

Additionally, 7,434 candidates had their subject results cancelled due to the presence of unauthorized materials such as prepared notes, textbooks, and printed materials in the examination halls. For those suspected of various examination offenses, 270 candidates had their subject and entire results withheld pending further investigation.

Kapi also mentioned that teachers involved in malpractice could face sanctions, potentially being barred from future duties and reported to the Ghana Education Service (GES) for disciplinary measures. The council's measures aim to uphold the integrity and credibility of the WASSCE by ensuring rigorous adherence to its stringent examination protocols.