27/08/2026
Government Moves to Toughen Laws Against Examination Malpractice
FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE ā The Government is advancing plans to strengthen the legal fight against examination malpractice, with Basic and Senior Secondary Education Minister Conrad Sackey confirming that work is ongoing on a new WAEC Bill to replace the existing 1984 legislation.
Sackey made the disclosure on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during a Special Civic Town Hall at the Miatta Civic Conference Centre in Freetown.
The proposed law is expected to provide stronger measures against examination malpractice and criminalise certain forms of misconduct.
The announcement follows the withholding of 1,927 NPSE results. However, the Minister clarified that the figure does not mean all 1,927 candidates were accused of malpractice. Reports indicate that 1,640 results were withheld over missing Continuous Assessment Cards, while 326 candidates were linked to alleged malpractice.
Sackey said:
Ā«āCertain people do not understand that the 1,927 candidates are not all suspected of examination malpractice.āĀ»
He also stressed that malpractice cannot be tackled by targeting pupils alone, pointing to adults and others who may facilitate cheating.
The Government says the proposed reforms are aimed at protecting the credibility of Sierra Leoneās examination system and ensuring greater accountability for those involved in examination fraud.
Should examination malpractice be treated as a criminal offence for everyone involved?