Former headmaster of Agric Nzema Senior High School, has claimed that some students who are part of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program have been given the freedom by some headteachers to cheat during the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Speaking to Oyerepa TV, he noted that this tolerance towards cheating is intended to help these students obtain passing grades in their exams.
Mr. Duku, speaking out about what he perceives as a concerning trend, criticized the implementation of performance league tables for schools, alleging that some headmasters are resorting to facilitating cheating among their students to boost their schools’ rankings.
According to Mr. Duku, “Government has brought a league table for every school. Some headmasters want their schools to perform well. Some headmasters are doing everything possible to make their students pass BECE exams, by helping them cheat in the exams. This is making many of them reluctant to learn for their exams.”
Mr. Duku emphasized that the pursuit of high rankings has overshadowed the importance of genuine learning and ethical conduct among students.
In 2023, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, raised doubts regarding the credibility of the recently released West Africa Senior Schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.
Challenging the Education Minister’s assertion that the 2023’s results are the best since 2015, Mahama alleged instances of inadequate supervision and teacher complicity in student cheating.
“In many places, they let the children cheat. You go to places, and the teachers are conniving with the students to cheat. The effect will be seen later,” Mahama remarked during his “Building Ghana Tour.”
He expressed concerns about the potential long-term effects on the nation’s education system, emphasizing the risk of certifying students with qualifications that might not meet international standards.
As part of his nationwide tour, Mahama has been engaging with various professional and economic groups, incorporating their feedback into the party’s manifesto.
During these interactions, teachers have expressed significant concerns. In the Mfantseman Constituency, a prominent issue raised was the lack of textbooks following a recent curriculum change.
Free SHS debate : Free SHS students are allowed to cheat to pass their exams – Former headmaster of Agric Nzema SHS Mr. Daniel Boamah Duku. Defenders come and defend this one too. pic.twitter.com/BakyAhLLCM
— Aristotlektv (@aristotledada) July 18, 2024