Ghanaian Teachers' Perspectives on Implementation of the Free Senior High School Policy

Abstract

This study explored Ghanaian teachers' views on the implementation of the free senior high school Policy in the Effutu Municipality and Gomoa East District of Ghana. Using the public policy implementation theory, the study employed sequential explanatory design. Questionnaires and interviews guide were administered to five head teachers and 125 teachers using purposive and simple random sampling procedures. Teachers stated that the implementation of free senior high school (SHS) policy has ensured equal access and participation by all students to different categories of Ghanaian senior high schools. Secondly, the policy had increased students' enrolments, and reduced financial burden on parents .On the contrary, teachers believed that the implementation of the free SHS policy did not adequately seek stakeholder perspectives; insufficient logistics to accommodate increased students' enrolments; teacher workload due to large class sizes with ramification for education quality in the Gomo a East District. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service should engage head teachers and teachers to successfully implement the free SHS policy. Indeed, government could consider cost sharing approach where certain bills are paid by parents and wards of students.