A study of school facilities maintenance among basic schools in the cape coast metropolis

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate how basic schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis maintain their school facilities. The study adopted the sequential explanatory mixed method design and mainly used questionnaire and interview. A sample of 306 respondents was used for the study and respondents were selected from 50 basic schools which were sampled out of the six circuits in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana. The study revealed that the schools sampled always engaged in sweeping and weeding of school compound, repairs and cleaning of walls, windows, doors, roofing sheet and dustbins. However, the schools rarely engaged in washing and cleaning of marks and spots (graffitis) on school walls. The study also showed that most of the schools sampled had maintenance plans mainly to avoid and repair breakdown of facilities as well as replace damaged facilities. The study revealed that the main sources of funds for facilities maintenance for the basic schools were internally generated funds like PTA Levy as well as Capitation Grant. Finally, the study showed further that students are likely to learn more and achieve at higher levels if the facilities in the school are in good condition. From the results obtained, it is recommended among others that the Ministry of Education should work through the Ghana Education Service to formulate policies that can guide a well-planned system of facilities maintenance so that schools do not wait until facilities break down before repairs are made.