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In recent years, the credibility of our educational system has come under increasing scrutiny due to the alarming rise in examination malpractices.
From leaked examination papers to impersonation and other acts of dishonesty during assessments, the tumour of academic dishonesty continues to undermine the very essence of education in Ghana.
This problem is not new, but its ongoing nature requires urgent and continuous attention from all education stakeholders.
If left unchecked, examination malpractice will continue to erode public trust in our academic institutions and produce graduates who are ill-prepared for life beyond the classroom.
Understanding why students resort to malpractice is critical.
For many, it is the fear of failure and pressure to succeed, whether self-imposed or from parents and society.
Others lack adequate preparation and resort to shortcuts.
Unfortunately, there are also instances where teachers and school authorities, whose roles should be to uphold academic standards, look the other way or even enable the practice to protect their school's image.
The growing commercialisation of education and the heavy emphasis on high grades over real learning have only worsened the problem.
Many schools now focus on results rather than genuine academic development, which creates an unhealthy environment where cheating becomes a means to an end.
When students cheat and go unpunished, it sends the wrong message: that dishonesty pays.
This undermines the principle of meritocracy.
The long-term consequences are devastating: professionals who cannot perform their duties effectively, public servants who lack problem-solving skills and a society plagued by mediocrity and corruption.
For the education sector, the damage is particularly severe.
Examination malpractices compromise the fairness of assessments, making it difficult to distinguish between students who have worked hard and those who have gamed the system.
Addressing this challenge must begin with honest self-assessment and collective action.
The following steps are critical:
• Strengthen supervision and invigilation: Education authorities must ensure that invigilators are well-trained, committed, and supported in enforcing exam rules strictly.
• Moral and civic education: Schools should actively incorporate values such as honesty, integrity and personal responsibility into the curriculum.
Students must understand that how they succeed is as important as the success itself.
• Parental involvement: Parents must shift focus from pushing for high grades to encouraging consistent effort and ethical conduct.
They should partner teachers to shape their children’s character.
• Reforming assessment systems: Reducing the over-reliance on final exams by strengthening continuous assessment and other evaluation forms can ease pressure and give a more accurate picture of a student’s abilities.
Tackling examination malpractice is not the responsibility of the government alone.
It requires the full commitment of educators, parents, students, policymakers and civil society.
If we all play our part, we can foster a culture where hard work, honesty and excellence are rewarded.
Education is the foundation of national development.
Let us protect its integrity for the sake of our children and the future of Ghana.
The writer is a Communications/Public Relations Professional
vickykuus536@gmail.com
