Member of Parliament for Builsa South and Deputy Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, Dr Clement Apaak, believes that technology can help combat examination malpractice in Ghana.
In an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show, Dr Apaak suggested that Ghana should consider allowing students to take exams using computers at their schools instead of centralised exam centres. He emphasized that this approach is already being implemented in other parts of the world and could become a standard practice in the future.
Dr Apaak’s comments come in the wake of the arrest of 18 teachers from various parts of the country for violating the rules of the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). He expressed concern about the moral decay in society, where wrongdoing is not frowned upon, and success and wealth are celebrated without questioning their sources.
The MP called for a reset of the nation’s moral compass and emphasized the need for a meeting with WAEC to ensure the integrity of examination processes and certification. He also stressed the importance of adequately resourcing WAEC to prevent operational disruptions and financial strains.
In response to the issue of examination malpractice, the Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, has introduced the serialisation of questions to address leakages. This measure has reportedly helped in curbing exam leakages and ensuring a focus on studying among students and parents.
WAEC has pledged to prosecute all teachers involved in exam malpractice to deter others from engaging in such practices. The Minister expressed confidence in the effectiveness of the stringent measures put in place to check exam leakages.
As the education sector continues to grapple with challenges of exam malpractice, stakeholders are urged to explore innovative solutions like technology to uphold the integrity of examinations and academic certifications in Ghana.
