GES warns school heads against illegal WASSCE registrations

GES clarified that heads of schools are authorised to register only Form Three students for WASSCE

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a strong warning to heads of senior high and technical schools across the country over the unauthorised registration of candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

In a statement dated January 8, 2026, and signed by the Head of Public Relations, Daniel Fenyi, the Service said it has observed worrying practices in which some school heads and officials register Form Two students and private candidates for the WASSCE without approval.

According to GES, such registrations are sometimes carried out in exchange for money. The Service stressed that the practice is illegal and unacceptable.

“The Management of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has observed that some Heads of Senior High Schools and Technical Schools are engaging in the unauthorised registration of Form Two students and/or private candidates for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), often in exchange for fees,” the statement said.

GES clarified that heads of schools are authorised to register only Form Three students whose academic records and progression from Year One to Year Three can be fully traced in the school’s database. Any registration outside this category, including that of Form Two students or private candidates, is strictly prohibited.

“Management wishes to state unequivocally that a Head of School is authorised to register only Form Three students, whose academic records and progression from Year One to Year Three are traceable in the school’s database. The registration of Form Two students or private candidates by any school official is strictly prohibited,” it added.

GES further cautioned that all heads and school officials who flout this directive will face severe sanctions in line with existing GES and West African Examinations Council (WAEC) regulations, without exception.

“All Heads and school officials are hereby cautioned that the breach of this directive will attract severe sanctions in accordance with GES and WAEC regulations, without exception.”

The Service urged all school authorities to adhere strictly to the approved procedures governing WASSCE registration in order to protect the integrity of the examination system and ensure fairness for all candidates.