Factors affecting Pupils' Participation in Basic Education: Evidence from Ghana

Abstract

Studies have identified a number of factors that constrain children's school and completion. In particular, direct and indirect costs of education, represented in out-of-pocket expenses and the opportunity cost of children time, respectively, are among some of the most important constraints (Assaad, Deborah & Nadia, 2001). This study therefore looked at factors affecting pupils' participation in basic education in Apewosika and Amamoma communities in the Cape Coast Metropolis in the Central Region of Ghana. Three research questions were used for the study. The descriptive research design was employed for the study. The target population for the study included all parents whose wards have dropped out of school. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 50 parents for the study. The research instrument that was used to collect the data was the questionnaire. The data gathered were analyzed and presented in frequencies and percentages. The theoretical framework used in this study draws on Becker's (1965) allocation of time theory, and Becker's (1991) theory of comparative advantage. In the allocation of time theory, he assumes that households combine goods and time to produce commodities. The study revealed that most of the parents agreed that poverty accounts for low participation of children in the basic schools. Also, it was realized that late and over age enrollment contributed to drop out. The study further revealed that household wealth determines the rate of enrollment and participation, cost of education and cultural values and practices all affect pupils' participation in basic education. Based on the research findings, it was recommended that parents should be encouraged and sensitized to send their children to school. Government should increase capitation grants and school feeding programmes should be extended to cover more schools and managed very well. Non-Governmental Organisations and stakeholders interested in education should establish and expand their scholarships schemes to support poor but needy students to enable them get enrolled.