Frederick Ngmenkpieo

2 Publications in AERD

Author Publications

Unpacking the dynamics of educational access and teacher wellbeing in Ghana's free senior high school policy

By Tobias Tseer

There have been relentless efforts across varied contextsto increase the quality of education and make it as accessible as possible. In Ghana, these efforts have seen the emergence of many educational policies and initiatives, the most recent being the Free Senior High School (FSHS) policy. While existing research have explored the policy's relevance, effects, and sustainability, our study uniquely addresses its overlooked impact on teachers' well-being. Using a purely qualitative approach involving 44 participants who were purposively sampled through a maximum variation purposive sampling technique, primary data was gathered through personal interviews and focus group discussion. The analysis of the data revealed that the implementation of the policy led to higher enrolments which translated into high workload for teachers prompting higher physical, psychological and mental stress among teachers. The study also found that teachers were not just neglected in the processes leading to the formulation and implementation of the policy but were also structurally barred from expressing their views on how the policy was being implemented.The findings highlight the vital necessity for educational policies, aspiring to enhance educational access and outcomes, to inherently prioritise and integrate considerations for the well-being of teachers, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and sustainable educational reform. © 2024 The Authors

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Analysis of factors influencing students’ choice of business studies in Ghana: Mixed methods research

By Karim Abu

The overall aim of business studies is to equip students with knowledge and skills to contribute to the socio-economic development of countries by offering highly qualified human resources. However, in recent times, few students have been attracted to business studies, particularly at the senior high school level in Ghana. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted to unravel the determinants of the low interest of students in business studies. This study draws on the mixed methods research approach to investigate the determinants of students’ choice of business studies in the Upper West Region. Data were collected from 276 students using survey questionnaires and supported with key informant interviews. Findings show that socio-cultural factors such as gender, social recognition and parents’ occupation significantly influence students’ choice of business studies in Ghana’s senior high schools. Economic factors such as the desire to work in financial institutions, good working conditions and a history of good salaries associated with business professions and the school-level factors: personal interest, teachers’ advice and role models significantly influence students’ choice of business studies. The study recommends that the Government of Ghana should vigorously project business studies through public education and resource support to business institutions. © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

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