Universal Basic Education Policy: Impact on Enrolment and Retention

Abstract

The universal basic education policy enshrined in the constitution of Ghana is aimed at making education accessible and affordable for all Ghanaian citizens. This paper sought to assess whether the universal basic education policy really have an impact on access at the basic level. The study was carried out on the premise that the universal basic education policy has no impact on enrolment and retention. The study used enrolment data from randomly selected public basic schools. Ten(10) each as treatment and control schools. Descriptive statistics were used in the presentation of the data. The data was enrolment figures taken from the registers of the various schools under study. The study found out that enrolment and retention are on the increase. It again found out that girl’s dropout rate was higher in control schools than boys. The study concluded that girl’s enrolment and retention is largely determined by the universal basic education policy. It is therefore necessary for the provision of incentives for girls and better facilities to meet the increasing demand of enrolment and retention.    

Keywords: Universal Basic Education, Enrolment, Retention, Policy, Access