School Leadership and Ghana’s Free Senior High School Policy: A Case Study

Date
2023-12-11
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Abstract

School administration under the implementation of Ghana’s Free Senior High School policy has faced several leadership and governance challenges since the inception of the policy. This thesis explores the dynamic interplay between school leadership and Ghana's fee-free educational policy. The policy presents a transformative opportunity for the nation's educational system. However, the effective implementation of such a policy necessitates adept and innovative school leadership. This study explores the leadership strategies, challenges, and impact on governance in Ghanaian secondary schools. The findings of this study reveal that effective school leadership plays a pivotal role in maximizing the full benefits of the policy. It encompasses the ability to foster a positive school culture, provide instructional leadership, and navigate the complexities of policy implementation. Challenges and complexities related to resource allocation, remaining inequities, and stakeholder engagement are examined in-depth. This thesis also underscores the importance of proactive and adaptive school leadership principles in addressing the implementation challenges and capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the policy to improve the leadership practices of school leaders. Furthermore, it highlights the potential of effective leadership to enhance the quality of education, promote inclusivity, and ultimately contribute to the broader socio-economic development of Ghana. By shedding light on the critical nexus between school leadership and educational policy in Ghana, and the implications for educational policymaking and leadership practices in other developing nations facing similar challenges and opportunities in expanding access to quality education.

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Keywords
Educational Leadership, School Governance, Fee-free Senior High School, Policy, School Management and Administration, Sustainable Leadership, Distributed Leadership, Equitable Leadership, Dimensional Leadership, Ghana's Free Senior High School Policy
Citation
Adzroe, J. (2023). School leadership and Ghana’s free senior high school policy: a case study (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.