It observed that systemic failures in the education system and the overemphasis on grades had fueled cheating in national examinations like the BECE, a phenomenon which normalised dishonesty, fraud, bribery, and mediocrity in public and private spheres.

In a statement signed by Mr Enoch Justice Yebuah, the Executive Director and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), CAF cautioned that such dishonesty produced unqualified professionals like doctors and engineers, engendered mistrust in institutions and stifled national development.

It raised questions about the values being taught to children in schools and confidence in tomorrow’s professionals, insisting that the future of Ghana depended on integrity in education, not just grades.

“If society continues sacrificing the integrity of the educational systems for the sake of passing grades, then it risks creating a society, where degrees are meaningless, professionals are unqualified and trust in our institutions is non-existent and in turn, stifles national development, deters serious investment and ultimately costs lives,” the statement warned.

“The future is not written on leaked papers, it is shaped in the classroom, with hard work, integrity and a collective desire to do what is right,” it maintained.

CAF called for a nationwide campaign to shift the cultural narrative surrounding education to promote real knowledge and skills acquisition, and integrity which formed a true foundation of Ghana’s future.

It also proposed a more severe sanction regime for perpetrators of examination offences to serve as a deterrent and sanitise the system.

“The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and government agencies must step up efforts to secure exam processes, using advanced technology to prevent leaks and to ensure fairness,” it added.