Analysis of the Problematic Nature of Appointment of Public Senior High School (SHS) Head Teachers and the Governance of Schools in Ghana

Abstract

This article examines the problematic nature associated with the appointment of head teachers in Ghanaian senior high schools (SHS) and how this is impacting the governance of schools. The Ghana Education Service (GES) is supposed to make appointments and promotions of head teachers, however there are external bodies that influence the appointment process. With data gathered from deputy head teachers, education officers, and senior teachers from selected schools, the study examined the problematic nature of head teacher appointment and the nature of school governance. The results showed that although the GES is making efforts to promote good governance through the school leadership, there are still some controversies and challenges that affect the effectiveness of their work. To address this, the study concludes that, the GES must streamline its appointments and promotion guidelines so as to eliminate any external pressures and influences to promote improvement and ensure continuity.