Challenges of enrolment of pupils in Ghanaian schools. A case study of catholic primary schools in Tano south district

Abstract

A major trend in education in developing economies in general, and Ghana in particular is that schooling enrolments and attainment are relatively low. This trend appears to be a major thrust in education policies being currently evolved by governments in developing economies, Ghana inclusive (GoG, 2006). Based on this, the study aimed at finding out the challenges of enrolment in Ghanaian schools, with specific attention to Tano South District within the Brong Ahafo Region. The study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The simple random sampling method was used in selecting 83 teachers for the study. Structured survey questionnaire and interview were the main data collection instruments used in this study. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the quantitative data and content analyses with direct quotations were employed in analysing the qualitative data. The findings indicated that School Feeding Programme (SFP), Free Compulsory Basic Education (FCUBE) strengthen primary education and Free School Uniform (FSU) exercise are the main policies and practices that encourage pupils interest in coming to school. The study further found that environmental factors thus; family hardships, precarious situations, poor environment conducive to learning and hunger/drought posed the greatest challenge to growth in school enrolment in Tano South District. Based on this, conclusions were made and it was recommended that the feeding policy should be extended by the government to cover as many primary schools as possible in the District. Again, communication between schools and families of pupils concerning attendance needs to increase by phone contact, email, school website, and home visits. The authorities should provide meaningful activities to engage the pupils throughout their stay in school. This will help reduce low enrolment of pupils in school.