Education Minister Proposes Phone Ban for Invigilators to Curb Exam Cheating

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has proposed extending the current ban on mobile phone use in examination halls to include not only students but also teachers and invigilators. During the swearing-in ceremony of the new National Education Inspectorate Board, he stressed that maintaining the integrity of examinations is a national priority and warned that some invigilators might be complicit in exam malpractice. He described student access to mobile phones in exam settings as unacceptable and urged a review of policies to tighten control over devices.

While acknowledging that exam officials may occasionally need phones for official communication — such as calling for additional materials or submitting reports — the Minister called for strict enforcement and accountability. He said any exemptions should come with clear limitations, and that invigilators found aiding in cheating must face consequences. Mr. Iddrisu's remarks underscore a broader push to safeguard Ghana's educational standards through tougher oversight and regulation