The West African Examinations Council has confirmed the arrest of seven individuals, including invigilators and teachers, over their alleged roles in examination malpractice during the ongoing 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

According to WAEC’s Head of Public Affairs, John Kapi, the arrests were made across three regions — Central, Bono and Ashanti.

He indicated that three suspects were apprehended in the Central Region, with two each picked up in the Bono and Ashanti Regions.

Mr Kapi explained that five of the suspects were caught with mobile phones inside examination halls, reportedly used to photograph question papers and share them on WhatsApp platforms.

He further revealed that some of those involved allegedly used the digital tool ChatGPT to generate answers, which were then relayed to candidates during the exams.

The remaining two suspects, although not found with phones, were also linked to the scheme. One is said to have been distributing prepared responses to candidates, while the other was arrested for allegedly reproducing answer sheets for circulation.

WAEC said all seven individuals have been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Mr Kapi expressed concern over the incidents, suggesting that financial inducements may be encouraging such practices despite repeated warnings.

The Council has reiterated its caution to candidates, supervisors and the public, stressing that anyone found culpable risks prosecution and the cancellation of examination results.