CHASS Raises Alarm Over Exam Malpractices and Student Indiscipline

The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has expressed deep concern over the rising tide of examination malpractices threatening the integrity of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

According to CHASS, the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and collaboration between students and some individuals has made malpractices in both the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) more sophisticated and widespread.

In a communiqué issued after its 63rd Annual Conference held in Sunyani from October 6 to 12, 2025, the association urged WAEC and the Ministry of Education to adopt stronger preventive measures. These include extensive serialisation of exam questions, reforms in assessment methods under the new education curriculum, and stricter punitive actions against offenders.

The conference, themed “Ensuring Comprehensive, Equitable, and Sustainable Secondary Education in Ghana: The Role of Stakeholders,” also voiced concern over rising student indiscipline, citing recent incidents of riots, hooliganism, and the possession of offensive weapons in some schools.

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CHASS noted that the abuse of drugs, including opioids (RED) and Indian hemp, was becoming rampant among students, a situation it described as “alarming” and detrimental to academic discipline.

The communiqué, signed by Reverend Father Stephen Owusu Sekyere, National President, and Mr Baro Primus, National Secretary, also highlighted logistical challenges facing many senior high schools.

It reported an acute shortage of furniture in classrooms, dining halls, assembly halls, and offices, which continues to disrupt teaching and learning.

“Many schools are compelled to operate transitional calendars due to this deficiency, and we call for immediate government intervention to resolve the issue,” the communiqué stated.

CHASS further appealed to the government to resume abandoned school projects and provide duty-post vehicles and buses, especially to schools in deprived communities, to support effective administration and supervision.

The conference concluded with a renewed call on all stakeholders, government, WAEC, teachers, parents, and students, to work together to safeguard Ghana’s education system and uphold the integrity of the national exam