Implementation of free senior high school policy a case study in some selected schools in the Western North Region of Ghana

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to explore the implementation of the free senior high school policy in some selected schools in the Western North region of Ghana. The objectives of the study were; to find out how headmasters implement free senior high policy; to determine the effectiveness of the implementation of the free senior high policy; to explore challenges associated with the implementation of the free senior high school policy; to find out strategies that could be adopted by headmasters of senior high schools to manage the challenges of the implementation of the free senior high school policy. The research adopted a qualitative approach underpinned by interpretive philosophical assumptions using the case study approach. The sample size for the study was five participants using census and purposive techniques. The data were collected using unstructured interview guide. The data were analysed manually using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that headmasters adopted the top-down (fidelity), mutual adaptation, and enactment approaches in the implementation. It was found out that the heads were faced with challenges, such as infrastructural issues, supply of expired goods, and delay in disbursement of funds. It was also found out that headmasters are less burdened, It was recommended that government should decentralise the regulations to the district level so that at the district level, some appropriate measures could be taken to address any possible challenges that will threaten the successful implementation of the policy, Government should not relent in its effort to supply all the necessary items that the schools will need to ensure effective teaching and learning.