Safeguarding academic integrity: Confronting exam malpractice
In recent years, the credibility of our educational system has come under increasing scrutiny due to the alarming rise in examination malpractices.
From leaked examination papers to impersonation and other dishonest acts during assessments, the cancer of academic dishonesty continues to undermine the very essence of education in Ghana.
This issue is not new, but its persistence demands urgent and sustained attention from all education stakeholders.
If left unchecked, examination malpractice will continue to erode public trust in our academic institutions and produce graduates who are ill-prepared for life beyond the classroom.
Understanding why students resort to malpractice is critical. For many, it is the fear of failure and pressure to succeed, whether self-imposed or from parents and society.
Others simply lack adequate preparation and resort to shortcuts. Unfortunately, there are also instances where teachers and school authorities, whose roles should be to uphold academic standards, turn a blind eye or even enable the practice to protect their school's image.
The growing commercialisation of education and the heavy emphasis on high grades over real learning have only worsened the problem.
Many schools now focus on results rather than genuine academic development, which creates an unhealthy environment where cheating becomes a means to an end.
When students cheat and go unpunished, it sends the wrong message: that dishonesty pays. This undermines the principle of meritocracy.
The long-term consequences are devastating: professionals who cannot perform their duties effectively, public servants who lack problem-solving skills and a society plagued by mediocrity and corruption.
For the education sector, the damage is particularly severe. Examination malpractices compromise the fairness of assessments, making it difficult to distinguish between students who have worked hard and those who have gamed the system.
Practical Solutions
Addressing this challenge must begin with honest self-assessment and collective action.
The following steps are critical:
Strengthen supervision and invigilation: Education authorities must ensure that invigilators are well-trained, committed and supported to enforce exam rules strictly.
Moral and civic education: Schools should actively incorporate values such as honesty, integrity and personal responsibility into the curriculum.
Students must be made to understand that how they succeed is as important as the success itself.
Parental Involvement: Parents must shift focus from pushing for high grades to encouraging consistent effort and ethical conduct.
They should partner with teachers in shaping their children’s character.
Reforming Assessment Systems: Reducing the over-reliance on final exams by strengthening continuous assessment and other forms of evaluation can ease pressure and give a more accurate picture of a student’s abilities.
Shared responsibility
Tackling examination malpractice is not the responsibility of the government alone. It requires the full commitment of educators, parents, students, policymakers and civil society.
If we all play our part, we can foster a culture where hard work, honesty and excellence are truly rewarded.
Education is the foundation of national development. Let us protect its integrity for the sake of our children and the future of Ghana.
Email: vickykuus536@gmail.com
