The ongoing 2025 West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) was expected to run smoothly across the country. However, things turned violent at Wesley Senior High School (SHS) in Konongo, located in the Ashanti Region.
Reports say some students became angry after they were stopped from cheating in the exams. In their frustration, they threw stones at the senior housemistress’s residence on campus.
The trouble began during the Christian Religious Studies (CRS) paper on Friday, September 5. A candidate was caught trying to cheat, and this led to a heated exchange with the housemistress.
According to school officials, the student verbally abused the housemistress after being stopped. Later, he was forced to apologize and was advised to go through counselling.
Even though the matter seemed to be settled, tensions flared up again two days later. On the night of Sunday, September 7, a group of angry students reportedly attacked the housemistress’s home.
The students threw stones at her residence, creating fear and confusion on campus. The violent actions disturbed the peace in the school and frightened many people.
Police officers were quickly called to the scene to calm the situation. They managed to restore order and started investigations to find those behind the attack.
Headmistress Rev. Agnes Gaisie has assured parents and the public that the situation is under control. She said steps have been taken to ensure the exams continue without further problems.
Rev. Gaisie also urged students to focus on their studies and avoid misconduct. She explained that discipline will be strictly enforced to protect the integrity of the examination.
Meanwhile, the West African Examination Council (WAEC) has revealed that exam malpractice is happening in other parts of the country. So far, 16 people have been arrested nationwide for misconduct in the ongoing WASSCE.
WAEC says those arrested include candidates, invigilators, and some school staff. They were caught engaging in different forms of cheating during the exams.
The Council has promised to punish everyone involved in such illegal practices. It also appealed to schools, parents, and students to respect the rules of the examination.
The Konongo incident shows the challenges WAEC and schools face in fighting exam malpractice. Authorities hope that strong action will prevent similar disturbances in the future.
Despite the unfortunate events, WAEC insists the examinations will not be disrupted. Officials have assured the public that all measures are in place to keep the process safe and fair.
Source: Adomonline.com