As final-year junior high school students across the country prepare to sit for this year’s Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Briphildon Foundation, Bright Philip Donkor, has urged candidates to steer clear of examination malpractice and uphold integrity throughout the process.

He advised on Thursday, May 29, 2025, when his outfit supported the 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates at Dzorwulu Junior High School (JHS) with mathematical sets, pens, stationery, and essential toiletries, including toilet rolls.

Mr. Donkor emphasised the value of honesty, self-discipline, and hard work, stressing that these principles were more rewarding than any shortcut to success.

“I understand the pressure that comes with exams. I’ve been there before. But I want to encourage every BECE candidate to resist the temptation to cheat. Your future is far too important to be built on dishonesty.

Trust in the efforts you’ve made and go into the exam confident in your own ability,” he told the students. 

His comments come at a time when examination malpractice has become a growing concern for stakeholders in the education sector.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) recently issued a stark warning, describing the situation as a national security threat. According to the Council, reported cases of malpractice have skyrocketed, particularly at the senior high school level.

In just four years, subject results withheld in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) jumped from 3,235 in 2020 to over 522,000 in 2024.

Similarly, subject results cancelled rose from 10,496 to nearly 39,000 within the same period.

“These aren’t just numbers on a chart. They represent real lives, real dreams that are being compromised. When students cheat, it doesn’t end in the exam hall — it weakens our education system, our workforce, and even our democracy,” he stated. 

He expressed particular worry over how the practice disproportionately benefits students with access to leaked questions or the means to influence officials, leaving honest students at a disadvantage.

“It’s deeply unfair. What kind of message are we sending to our young people when dishonesty seems to pay? We’re creating a system where merit is sidelined, and that only widens the gap between the privileged and the less privileged,” he added. 

Mr. Donkor noted that the causes of this worrying trend go beyond students. He cited parental and societal pressure, lapses in supervision, and in some instances, the complicity of educators and invigilators who are meant to uphold the integrity of the process.

“It’s no secret that some adults — the very people entrusted to guide our children — are part of the problem. Whether it’s teachers looking the other way or invigilators accepting bribes, we’re all failing our children when we let this slide,” he said.

Despite the challenges, the Briphildon Foundation believes that change is possible. Mr. Donkor called on the Ministry of Education and WAEC to intensify reforms that make cheating more difficult, such as the serialisation of exam papers (which has been implemented) and the use of more trained, independent invigilators.

He also appealed to law enforcement agencies to deal swiftly with individuals who leak or operate rogue websites, stressing that impunity only encourages further malpractice.

“This fight can’t be left to WAEC alone. Parents, teachers, religious leaders, and community heads all have a role to play. Let’s talk to our children — not just about passing exams, but about doing the right thing even when no one is watching,” he said.

“You are capable. You are prepared. And you have what it takes to succeed the right way. Walk into that exam room next week with your head held high. Ghana is rooting for you,” he encouraged the students.