Enrolment and retention of the girl- child at the basic school level within the Amasaman circuit of the Ga West municipality of the Greater- Accra region

Abstract

The study examined the view of people including the girl-child, parents and teachers on the enrolment and retention of the girl-child on school at the basic level, in Ga West Municipality. It considered the socio- economic characteristics of the girl-child that affect her education and other factors that motivates or de- motivates the girl child to study in school. Qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing phenomenological design. Samples were drawn from the Amasaman circuits. A sample size of 25 respondents made up of girl-child officer, parents, teachers, female students and female drop outs in the municipality were used. Data were analyzed under themes that emerged from research questions. Data collected through interviews revealed that poverty; broken homes and teenage pregnancies were paramount causes of girls dropping out of school. Other factors which will motivate a girl child to choose to stay home or go to school were the absence of girl friendly facilities, performance of the girl child, and age of the girl and the size of the school. Like parents, the support given by teachers is important. It was found out that attitude of teachers discouraged some girls from staying in school. The use of female role models to increase enrollment and retention was also identified to be significant. Public education and reducing cost of education were also identified as significant mechanisms to support the girl-child in the municipality to enroll and stay in school. Based on these findings, strategies to combat the phenomenon of dropouts in the municipality have been recommended.