Cost of basic education and its implications on human resource development

Abstract

This study researches into the effect of cost of basic education on human resource development in the Teshie Township. Specifically, the study sought to examine the relevance of basic education to human resource development, what motivates parents to send their children to school, the effect of cost of basic education on access to basic education and implication of cost of basic education on human resource development. Data for the study was collected from eighty nine (89) parents/guardians, fifty four (54) teachers, seventy (70) pupils and two (2) circuit supervisors using both closed and open ended questionnaires. The study found among others that there is great awareness among parents of the importance of basic education in a child's development, expected returns on investment is a motivation for sending a child to school. Also, factors found to influence access to quality basic education include: educational and income levels, level of awareness of the importance of education and the ability to afford quality tuition. The study concludes that quality of human resource depends greatly on quality basic education. It is therefore recommended that basic education should be made totally free for the benefit of the whole society. However, in offering free basic education its quality should not be compromised for quantity.