Ghana News Update: BECE Malpractice Arrests and Successful Hajj Pilgrimage Progress

The first week of May 2026 has been marked by significant developments in Ghana’s educational and religious sectors. While the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) grapples with reports of examination malpractice during the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana has confirmed the successful transition of Ghanaian pilgrims to Mecca. These events highlight a week defined by challenges to institutional integrity and the successful execution of large-scale international logistics for the Ghanaian faithful.

In a concerning development for the education sector, four candidates were apprehended at the Accra Girls Senior High School examination centre for alleged malpractice during the Integrated Science paper. According to Dr. Rosemond Wilson of WAEC, the incidents involved sophisticated attempts to circumvent exam rules. Notably, one pair of twins was caught allegedly swapping their answer booklets, while another pair of candidates was found exchanging question papers containing pre-written answers. These arrests follow a trend of heightened vigilance by WAEC, which had already seen seven other candidates detained earlier in the week. The council has warned that investigations are ongoing, and those found guilty face the severe penalty of having their subject results canceled.

Simultaneously, the 2026 Hajj season is well underway, with the Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana reporting a smooth operation so far. After a three-day stay in the holy city of Madina, the first batches of Ghanaian pilgrims have safely arrived in Mecca. The Director of Communication for the Pilgrims Affairs Office, Mohammed Amin Lamptey, confirmed that the pilgrims are in good health and high spirits. This year’s pilgrimage involves approximately 6,000 Ghanaians, with transport facilitated by 18 scheduled flights. To date, five batches have departed from Tamale, supported by enhanced communication systems designed to monitor the welfare and safety of all participants throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

As the BECE continues across the country, authorities remain on high alert to preserve the sanctity of the certificate, emphasizing that the recent arrests should serve as a deterrent to other students. Meanwhile, the successful arrival of the pilgrims in Mecca marks a positive milestone for the Pilgrims Affairs Office, which continues to manage the remaining flight schedules through May 18. Both situations underscore the government’s efforts to maintain order and provide support for citizens, whether they are navigating critical academic milestones at home or fulfilling religious obligations abroad.