The installation of CCTV cameras in examination halls has been proposed as a vital solution to the recurring issue of exam malpractice in Ghana.
Dr Samuel Zigah, an educationist and senior lecturer, suggested the technology as part of a broader suite of practical measures aimed at restoring the integrity of national assessments.
Beyond surveillance, Dr Zigah argued that motivating supervisors and invigilators through better incentives is crucial, noting that the current low levels of compensation remain a primary driver of dishonesty.
This call for structural reform comes as the Ghana Education Service (GES) prepares for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) with a strict crackdown on personnel.
GES Director-General Professor Ernest Kofi Davis recently confirmed that any teachers or supervisors implicated in irregularities during the 2025 exercise have been officially barred from participating this year.
During a press briefing, Professor Davis emphasised that those still facing sanctions are strictly prohibited from entering examination centres, warning that any staff caught aiding malpractice will face severe consequences.
However, Dr Zigah expressed scepticism regarding the effectiveness of simply replacing staff.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, he questioned the assumption that new hires would behave like “angels” without a change in the underlying system.
He further challenged the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over its reliance on external staff for supervision, attributing this practice to the council’s inability to provide adequate pay.
Dr Zigah stressed that until the authorities move beyond temporary bans and address the root causes—such as poor pay and a lack of modern monitoring technology—the annual cycle of examination malpractice is unlikely to end.
”Examination malpractice persists year after year, proving that the solutions deployed thus far have failed. To address this, I propose a shift toward high-security infrastructure: we should establish large-scale examination centres in every district. These venues must be equipped with CCTV cameras and staffed by professional invigilators.
By centralising exams in these larger halls, candidates can be admitted under strict monitoring. This setup eliminates many existing challenges, as every movement is captured by surveillance. In fact, with robust CCTV coverage, the heavy reliance on physical invigilators might even be reduced.
However, technology alone is not the answer; we must also address the human element by increasing remuneration for invigilators. If we provide proper motivation, they are far less likely to be compromised. It is unrealistic to pay someone GH₵40 for invigilation and expect them to reject a GH₵1,000 bribe from those looking to cheat. Invigilators are not angels; we must provide them with fair pay if we truly want a lasting solution to this problem.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
