Leadership challenges facing headteachers in basic schools at Garu district of the Upper East Region, Ghana.

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.