A retired educationist and former Public Relations Officer of the Dormaa Central Municipal Education Directorate, Michael Ignatius Anaise, has expressed concern that the practice of grading schools based solely on external examination results is fueling examination malpractices in Ghana.
According to him, the growing emphasis on performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) has created intense pressure on both students and schools to secure high scores, often leading to dishonest practices.
“This system places results above genuine learning and understanding, and in the end, integrity and the true value of education are sacrificed,” Mr. Anaise said.
He observed that many pupils at the basic school level struggle with reading and writing, making it difficult for them to complete examinations independently. In such cases, he noted, some students resort to copying from others or relying on external assistance, which examiners can easily detect.
Mr. Anaise also criticized the lack of parental involvement in children’s education, saying many parents and guardians fail to prioritize their wards’ academic needs. He urged parents to provide adequate support at home and encourage effective study habits to better prepare students for examinations without resorting to malpractice.
