UG Sanctions 32 Students for Exam Malpractice, With Some Failing All First-Semester Papers, Details
- The University of Ghana (UG), Legon, has taken the unprecedented step of failing a huge number of students caught in examination malpractice
- The affected were awarded Grade Z and Grade X penalties, effectively failing them in their respective courses, some for the entire semester papers
- The statement, signed by the Registrar, Emelia Agyei-Mensah, forms part of the school's effort to enforce its zero-tolerance policy on cheating
The University of Ghana has sent a shockwave through its campus after publicly "naming and shaming" dozens of students involved in various forms of academic dishonesty.
Source: UGC
In a press statement shared on Instagram by universe105 on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the university administration detailed the specific actions and sanctions taken against 32 students who breached the institution's examination regulations.
The university clarified the severity of the sanctions to ensure students understand the weight of the penalties:
- Grade Z: This denotes a total disqualification from the examination as a result of malpractice. Students with this grade fail the entire semester’s examination for the academic year in question.
- Grade X: This is awarded to students who are unable to complete a course for reasons deemed unacceptable, failing that specific grade.
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University of Ghana shares names of students caught cheating during exams, shares sanctions
The sanctions are intended to act as a significant deterrent, with the Registrar emphasising that the institution maintains a "zero-tolerance stance" on actions compromising academic integrity.
The decision to publish the names and student IDs on social media platforms and notice boards has sparked an intense debate among the public. While some argue that it is a necessary step to maintain the value of a Legon degree, others have raised concerns about the long-term impact on the students' privacy and future employment.
The statement was copied to high-ranking officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellors, and various Deans, ensuring that the disciplinary actions are recorded across all academic levels.
Reactions to UG failing 32 students
YEN.com.gh has compiled some reactions to the public sanctions below:
bring_job20 wrote:
"Is there any concern for their privacy? You publish their names and ID numbers on social media? What's the reason behind that?"
Another user replied to bring_job20:
"They were told before the exams. They are aware of the rules. If you cheat, you face the music."
iam.miss_kumordzie lamented:
"Eyyy, level 400 students are on the list? 😢 Hmmm, all that hard work wasted at the finish line."
primsugarjnr added:
"Asem ooo (This is a serious matter). This list will follow them forever if someone searches their names."
makwesi reacted with:
"😮😮. Legon is not joking this year."
Education advocate advises UG on publishing names
In an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, Director and Lead Volunteer of Empowerment Through Education, Andy Oppong Dankyi, shared mixed reactions to the University of Ghana’s decision to publicly release the names and student IDs of students sanctioned for examination malpractice.
While he acknowledged that the move could serve as a strong deterrent and punishment for students who engage in cheating, he cautioned that repeatedly publishing such lists could also damage the institution’s public image.
According to him, constantly releasing names of students involved in malpractice may create the impression that the university is struggling to instil discipline and academic integrity among its students.
“Punishing students for examination malpractice is necessary to protect the credibility of academic certificates. However, when institutions repeatedly publish long lists of offenders, it can also project an image that the school is battling a persistent culture of cheating,” he told YEN.com.gh.
He further stressed the need for universities to balance strict disciplinary measures with mentorship, counselling, and ethical education to address the root causes of examination malpractice.
Breakdown of UG academic fee increments
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported the increment in fees for University of Ghana students, sparking concerns among the student body about rising costs.
In the absence of an official explanation, many students expressed reservations over the sudden increase in academic fees, questioning how it would affect their financial planning and ability to continue their studies.
Source: YEN.com.gh
