2023 WASSCE malpractices : 190,168 scripts cancelled or withheld

The West African Examination Council (WAEC) has taken action on 190,168 scripts of 2023 WASSCE candidates, either cancelling or withholding results in the four core subjects.

This comprises 42,920 in English Language, 59,846 in Mathematics, 58,271 in Integrated Science, and 29,131 in Social Studies.

According to WAEC, a total of 4,878 candidates have had their results blocked for failing to return learning support materials provided by their schools.

Additionally, subject results for 3,647 candidates have been canceled due to the discovery of foreign materials, including prepared notes, textbooks, and printed materials, brought into the examination halls.

The results of 839 candidates have been canceled in their entirety for the possession of mobile phones during the examination.

Furthermore, subject results for 4,280 candidates and the entire results for 1,005 candidates have been withheld for various suspected offenses.

In a separate category, subject results for candidates from 235 schools have been withheld due to collusion and the use of artificial intelligence-generated answers.

WAEC said investigations into these cases are ongoing, and the withheld results may either be released or canceled based on the outcomes of the investigations

A total number of 448,674 candidates made up of 212,453 males and 236,221 females from 975 schools entered for the examination.

This figure is 5.8% higher than the 2022 entry figure of 422,883.

A total number of 3,404 representing 0.75% were absent from the examination leaving 445,270 who took the examinations.

42,920 English Language scripts affected

In English Language, results for 402,350 candidates have been released, with 42,920 scripts either cancelled or withheld due to suspected examination malpractices.

59,846 Mathematics scripts affected

For Mathematics, the results of 385,424 candidates have been released, while 59,846 scripts have either been cancelled or withheld over suspected malpractices.

58,271 Integrated Science scripts affected

In Integrated Science, the results of 386,999 candidates have been released, indicating that 58,271 scripts have either been cancelled or withheld due to suspected malpractices.

29,131 Social Studies scripts affected

Social Studies recorded results for 416,139 candidates, with 29,131 scripts either cancelled or withheld.

English Language: 325,280 scored A1-C6

In English Language, 325,280 candidates scored A1-C6, representing 73.11%, while 32,408 received D7 (7.28%), 21,153 E8 (4.75%), and 23,509 F9 (5.28%).

Mathematics: 276,272 obtained A1-C6
For Mathematics, 276,272 candidates obtained A1-C6 (62.23%), with 36,373 getting D7 (8.78%), 33,262 E8 (7.49%), and 39,517 F9 (8.90%).

Integrated Science: 296,466 recorded A1-C6

In Integrated Science, 296,466 candidates recorded A1-C6 (66.82%), 38,938 received D7 (8.78%), 26,566 E8 (5.99%), and 25,029 F9 (5.64%).

Social Studies: 6340,867 scored A1-C6

Social Studies saw 6340,867 candidates scoring A1-C6 (76.76%), 29,470 D7 (6.64%), 19,616 E8 (4.42%), and 26,186 F9 (5.90%).

Mathematics recorded the lowest pass rate, with 62.23% scoring A1-C6.

This implies that 109,152 candidates did not achieve grades A1-C6 in Mathematics, missing the C6 cut-off point in the four core subjects for university admission in the four core subjects.

The Council cautioned all its stakeholders to be wary of fraudsters who promise to upgrade results for a fee.

Candidates are to note that WAEC results are secured and can be authenticated using its results verification system.

The WAEC QR code can be downloaded and used to verify results.

WAEC promised to make available login details to heads of school to enable them access the results of their candidates.

The results have been hosted online and candidates who so desire may access their results at the Council’s website www.waecgh.org.

The Council expresses its sincerest gratitude to stakeholders especially the Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, the Security Agencies, Heads of School, Supervisors, Invigilators, Examiners and all who in various ways supported it in the successful conduct of the examination and release of results.