Abstract:
The purpose of the study was to investigate leadership challenges head teachers face in
basic schools in the Garu District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. The objectives of
the study were to find out leadership roles of head teachers, determine leadership
challenges of head teachers and to establish strategies that can be employed to manage
the challenges head teachers face in Basic Schools. The researcher adopted the
descriptive survey design . The population was 43 head teachers. Census technique was
used to involve all the basic schools and all the 43 head teachers. Questionnaire was
used for the study. The reliability test yielded Cronbach Alpha of 0.84. The data were
analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages based on the
research questions. The study found that leadership roles head teachers played were
making sure physical facilities and educational materials were provided and organizing
regular staff meetings and attending conferences. Also, lack of sufficient knowledge
and skills on effective school leadership and inadequate incentives and rewards systems
were challenges associated with head teachers leadership. Again, provision of adequate
teaching and learning materials and provision of professional training and development
were some strategies to manage head teachers leadership challenges. It is recommended
based on the findings that the Garu District education office should inspire head
teachers to adopt the strategies revealed by the study to manage the challenges
associated with head teachers’ leadership.
Description:
A Dissertation in the Department of Educational Leadership, Faculty of Education
and Communication Sciences, submitted to the School of Graduate Studies,
Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial
Development, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for award of the Master of
Arts (Educational Leadership) degree