Abstract:
The capitation grant policy is one of the most vital educational policies which is aimed at reducing the high illiteracy rate in the country. This study sought to evaluate the implementation of the capitation grant policy of government and its sustainability. The study therefore examined the implementation bottlenecks of the policy objective in selected basic schools in the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana.
The study was a descriptive survey and the views of 90 respondents were sought using a self-developed questionnaire. Fifty headteachers were randomly sampled while 30 parents and the 10 GES officials were purposively chosen to participate in the study. The questionnaire was hand-delivered to the respondents. The data were analyzed by calculating frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations.
The study revealed that the basic expenditure needs of the schools were not being met by the capitation grant. The study also showed that the funds were not always released on time for disbursement. Moreover, the study indicated some lapses in the spending guidelines for the disbursement of the fund. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that the computational formula for the allocation of the capitation grant for schools should be reviewed to cover all the basic needs of the schools. It is also recommended that the fund should be released on time for the heads to use it at the appropriate time to enhance teaching and learning.
