Administration of senior high schools in Cape Coast metropolis in the context of decentralisation in Ghana

Abstract

The study was to determine how the decentralisation policy is being implemented in the Senior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the context of Decentralisation in Ghana. Specifically the study assessed the structures put in place to decentralise administration in the senior high schools. The descriptive survey design was employed to shape the study, while the purposive and stratified sampling methods were used to select a sample of 232 respondents from the ten senior high schools in the metropolis as well as the two Directors of Education (The metro and regional directors). A structured questionnaire was the instrument for data collection which consisted of closed and open-ended items. The data collected were analysed with frequencies and percentages using the SPSS Windows 13.0. The major findings were that; the central government is the sole financier of the second cycle education. With the level of management functions, the study revealed that heads of institutions do not have the authority to hire and fire staff and in the area of training received by administrators on the policy. The study further revealed that many staff members do not have any idea of the decentralization policy and it implementation in senior high schools. The following recommendations were made; Senior High School management should be given the mandateto increase the matching programme content to local interest whereby there will be a variety in the quality and content of education provided. Again training programmes should be organised during vacation with some incentives to motivate staff, so that almost all staff would be able to attend to enrich their administrative skills to implement the decentralisation policy effectively.