A fellow at the Center for Democratic Development, Ghana (CDD-Ghana) and social activist, Prof. Stephen Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, is concerned about the rampant examination malpractice in Ghana, describing it as a symptom of a broader societal problem.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, June 21, Kwaku Azar laments the shift from a culture that valued effort and integrity to one that condones dishonesty and shortcuts.
He notes that examination malpractice has become widespread, with leaked questions, paid-for answers, and invigilators taking bribes to facilitate cheating.
“What used to be the scandal of a few has become the strategy of many,” he wrote .
This trend is not limited to students, as Prof. Asare observes that various segments of society are also involved in corrupt practices.
He highlights the normalization of fraud at every level, citing examples such as:
Students: Cheating in BECE and WASSCE exams
Parents: Paying for school placements
Politicians: Forging degrees
Judges: Accepting bribes
Security Personnel: Collecting bribes at checkpoints
Kwaku Azar argues that this culture of dishonesty is rewarded, while honesty is punished.
“Exam malpractice is not an isolated evil,” he emphasizes.
“It feeds into a culture where dishonesty is rewarded and honesty is punished.”
To combat this trend, Kwaku Azar advocates for a renewed moral culture that values hard work, integrity, and earned success.
“We must fight it,” he urges.
“Not just with laws and punishments, but with a renewed moral culture. One that says: Do your best. If you fail, try again. If you succeed, let it be earned.”
He warns that if this culture of dishonesty persists, future generations will lose sight of the value of hard work and integrity.
“Because if we lose that, the next generation won’t even understand why that invigilator was pained,” he writes.
“And that would be the real tragedy,” he exclaimed.
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