The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has made it expressly forbidden for applicants, invigilators, and supervisors to use cell phones or other communication devices at examination centers.
“Neither Supervisors, invigilators nor candidates are permitted to bring mobile phones into examination halls,” Mr. John K. Kapi, Head of Public Affairs, WAEC National Office, declared at a news conference in Accra. The purpose of this briefing was to inform the public and interested parties on the arrangements for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), set to commence on Monday, July 8, 2024.
It is anticipated that 1,366 private applicants and 569,095 school candidates will take the BECE this year.
Instructing parents to make sure their kids don’t bring cell phones to testing locations, Mr. Kapi threatened to cancel a candidate’s complete set of results if they were discovered to be in possession of a phone.
Supervisors and invigilators have been directed to perform comprehensive examinations in order to stop applicants from bringing cell phones or other unapproved objects into the exam rooms.
Moreover, Mr. Kapi recommended that the only people who should be at the centers are those who are directly involved in the exam; parents, headmasters, and owners of the schools should not be allowed on the property.
WAEC has guaranteed that all testing facilities have sufficient security measures in place.
It was emphasized to candidates that they should fill out their question sheets and answer booklets completely with their names and index numbers. The Council will not be allowed to award the candidate points if they disregard this directive.
Concerning these situations, Mr. Kapi noted that some applicants even inserted cash to beg for assistance from examiners. Other candidates wrote phone numbers or words like “help me,” “call me,” or “just call my mum” in their answer booklets.
He said that this is considered to be soliciting outside help and is an offense.
Additionally, candidates were advised not to take out sections of the question paper or answer booklets, turn in completed scripts, or ask non-candidates for assistance while taking the test.
Mr. Kapi also issued a warning on dishonest website operators and the risks associated with “massive cheating.”
This is a summary of the things that candidates should not do:
- Bring mobile phones or other electronic devices: This applies to both candidates and exam officials (invigilators and supervisors).
- Engage in any form of communication: This includes writing phone numbers, phrases like “help me” or “call my mom” in answer booklets, or attempting to contact anyone outside the exam hall.
- Solicit external assistance: Offering money to examiners or seeking help from non-candidates is strictly prohibited.
- Tamper with exam materials: Removing parts of the question paper or answer booklets, or refusing to submit completed scripts are all considered offenses.
- Fall prey to cheating scams: WAEC warns candidates to be wary of websites claiming to have exam questions.
Concurrently, the Ghana Education Service (GES) commended the candidates and expressed gratitude to educators, school administrators, parents, and other relevant parties for their backing.
The GES also warned everyone concerned to abstain from examination misconduct, noting that safeguards have been put in place to guarantee proper behavior.
After the BECE, the Senior High School selection procedure will start; specifics will be announced later.
Source: newsthemegh.com