Predictors of Household Spending and Choice of Pre-Tertiary Education in Ghana under the Free Education Policy

Abstract

This study examined the predictive variables of households’ choice and spending on pre-tertiary education in Ghana, irrespective of the free pre-tertiary education policy in Ghana in general and specifically in Accra Metropolis. Explanatory research design with a mixed method approach was used. Primary data from 832 household heads in the Accra Metropolis and 14009 households from the GLSS 7 secondary data source were used for the study. Descriptive and inferential analysis such as mean, ANOVA and regression were used for the quantitative analysis; and thematic content analyses were used for the qualitative analysis of the study. The study revealed that household characteristics such as sex, age, marital status, location and financial inclusion are significant drivers of frequency of pre-tertiary expenditure while only financial inclusion, level of education, location of household, household size and age of household head significantly predict the depth of household pre-tertiary expenditure in Ghana. The pull factors identified for private schools to attract more pre-tertiary enrolments are improved infrastructure, perceived quality and security of school environments; while the major pull factor of more parents to choose public schools over private school are the proximity and reduced charges. Significant extra costs were found to be hidden in the pre-tertiary education despite the fact that the level is considered to be free. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education through the Ghana Education Service needs to provide infrastructure in public schools to increase parents’ perception of security and quality for their wards. Parent also needs to make provision to absorb the hidden/extra cost associated with free pre-tertiary education.