Challenges in the administration of private senior high schools in the Kumasi metropolis of the Ashanti region

Abstract

In spite of the overwhelming academic performance associated with private schools especially in Ghana, they are faced with series of challenges which affect the administration of these schools. This study investigated the challenges in the administration of private Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Kumasi District of the Ashanti Region. The study employed the descriptive survey design and drew samples from all the educational circuits of the district. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather data. The main findings that came out of the study were that: parents had high willingness to send their children and wards to the private senior high schools; most students opted for the schools because of the high calibre of staff of the schools; the schools had their students through advertisement and walk-ins; and the schools had adequate teaching and non-teaching staff. The study further revealed that teachers of the school left the schools due to lack of opportunity for development, low remuneration, delay in payment of salaries and lack of payment of social security funds. It was recommended that the association of private schools should embark on vigorous public education to highlight the critical role played by private schools in the delivery of secondary education in Ghana and authorities in the private SHS should adequately provide the essential facilities in their schools to enhance effective teaching and learning.