BECE 2026: WAEC Cautions Against Phones, Assaults and Malpractice
Over 620,000 candidates warned as WAEC enforces strict anti-malpractice rules for 2026 BECE
- West African Examinations Council warns BECE candidates against assault, phone use, and exam malpractice.
- Over 620,000 candidates expected to sit the 2026 BECE nationwide from May 4.
- Strict sanctions including cancellation of results and bans for offenders
The West African Examinations Council has cautioned candidates writing the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) to strictly obey all exam rules, warning that any form of misconduct—including assault on officials or possession of banned items—could lead to cancellation of results or outright disqualification.
The nationwide examination begins on Monday, May 4, with over 620,000 candidates expected to take part across Ghana.
WAEC stressed that examination malpractice will not be tolerated and urged all candidates to fully comply with the regulations throughout the exam period.
Candidates have been explicitly warned against bringing mobile phones, smartwatches, prepared notes, calculators, or seeking external assistance. Any violation, the Council said, will attract strict sanctions.
Speaking in an interview, WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, reiterated that mobile phone offences alone will result in total cancellation of results.
“So for mobile phone infractions, your entire results will be cancelled. Any candidate who comes into the examination hall with a mobile phone will have their entire results cancelled,” he stated.
He also advised candidates to arrive at examination centres at least 30 minutes before the start of each paper, warning that late arrivals would not be allowed into the exam hall once the start signal is given.
This year’s BECE will see 620,141 candidates from 20,395 schools nationwide, comprising 304,349 boys and 315,792 girls—an increase of 2.7% compared to 2025.
