WASSCE Scandal: Students pay GHc70,000 as bribe

Final-year students of Goka Senior High Technical School in the Jaman North District of the Brong Ahafo region, numbering 677, have been made to pay GHc110 to influence invigilators supervising this year’s West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).

It is estimated that the 677 students have paid over GHc70,000 to the invigilators.

A source at the school told The Finder that before the examination started, each student was asked to pay GHc30, which they did.

According to the source, after paying that amount, the students paid an additional GHc10 for each subject; they are writing eight subjects in all.

The source explained that, after paying the money, the students were allowed to enter the examination hall with foreign materials, contrary to the West African Examination Council’s (WAEC) rules and regulations governing examination in the country.

According to the source, apart from the students sending foreign materials into the examination hall, the teachers who have compromised their integrity also send materials to help the students.

The source said the teachers distribute photocopied answers to the students during the examination.

The source explained that this form of cheating has become a norm in the school over the years, saying students who do not pay are victimised when their colleagues want to help them in the examination hall.

According to the source, the first share of the booty was shared among the invigilators who are teachers in the school last week.

A parent who has his child in the school confirmed to The Finder the payment of the GHc110 towards the examination.

The parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he later realised that the GHc110 was to influence the teachers who are invigilators.

The disappointed parent noted that such a practice is corrupting the children, adding: “They are teaching these children to become corrupt leaders in the future. If I knew the amount was to bribe the invigilators, I wouldn’t have paid. I am also afraid to confront the school authorities because I am afraid my son would be victimised.”

When contacted, the Headmaster of the school, Mr. Kyere Gyeabour, who assumed office last term, warned the teachers to desist from such acts.