Exploring issues of teacher retention and attrition in Ghana: A case study of Public Senior High Schools in Kwabre East district of Ashanti region-Ghana

Abstract

Teacher attrition and retention in the education sector is a matter of concern for all Ghanaians and as such the study was conducted to explore issues concerning teacher retention and attrition in Ghana. The study was descriptive survey in nature, and sought to establish factors that militate against the retention of teachers, as well as their satisfaction of the conditions of service in public senior high schools. The study was conducted in four Senior High Schools and a sample of 116 teachers was randomly selected for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect qualitative data. Findings revealed that most of the senior high school teachers may leave the teaching profession in the nearest future if their conditions of service and salaries, as well as school and classroom environment are not improved. Also the problem of teacher attrition in Senior High Schools in the district is partly attributable to non-compliance of the conditions of service for teachers by Ghana Education Service. Based on the findings, the study made the following recommendations: As a matter of urgency, the state should review the conditions of service for teachers and ensure their full implementation. Moreover, the state should take immediate steps to improve upon infrastructure in Senior High Schools, especially, those located in rural communities, to create conducive environment for teaching and learning.

Keywords: Attrition; retention; senior high schools; education; conditions of service; and teachers.