Top 10 Challenges Facing Public Basic Schools in Ghana With Practical Solutions

By
Ellis Ferdinand
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Unveiling the Truth about Responsibility Allowance for GES Staff write language CCP STAFF LEARN HOURS RESPONSIBITY LAG: GES TEACHERS NaCCA Top 10 Challenges Facing Public Basic Schools in Ghana With Practical Solutions

Ferdinand | EducationGhana | July 04 | Top 10 Challenges Facing Public Basic Schools in Ghana With Practical Solutions

Explore the top 10 challenges facing public basic schools in Ghana in 2025, from infrastructure gaps to teacher shortages—plus actionable solutions backed by education policy and community engagement.

In 2025, public basic schools in Ghana remain both a beacon of hope and a reflection of the education sector’s deepest struggles. These schools cater to over 70% of Ghana’s learners, most of whom come from rural, low-income, or underserved communities. While strides have been made through reforms like GALOP and the Standards-Based Curriculum, challenges continue to hinder effective teaching and learning.

This article breaks down the 10 most pressing issues facing public basic schools and presents practical, verifiable solutions aligned with Ghana Education Service (GES) directives, community engagement strategies, and international best practices.

1. Inadequate Infrastructure and Overcrowded Classrooms

Many schools lack:

  • Adequate classroom space

  • Furniture (desks, chairs)

  • Sanitary facilities (toilets and water)

Overcrowding—especially in rural districts—compromises learning quality and teacher effectiveness.

✅ Solutions:

  • Government partnerships with GetFund and NGOs to expand infrastructure

  • Community-led construction initiatives (mud classrooms, PTA support)

  • Integration into SIPs to prioritize infrastructure development
    🔗 Learn more: How to Write an Effective SIP in Ghana

 

2. Teacher Shortages and Uneven Distribution

Rural schools often experience one-teacher schools, with unqualified or overburdened staff.

✅ Solutions:

  • Incentivise rural postings with rural allowances and accommodation support

  • Prioritise teacher distribution based on school population data

  • Utilise GALOP monitoring reports to guide staffing allocations
    🔗 Related: Ghana Accountability for Learning GALOP Programme

3. Poor Teacher Motivation and Retention

Delays in promotions, lack of resources, and weak leadership reduce morale.

✅ Solutions:

  • Timely processing of GES promotions

  • Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programmes

  • Recognition schemes at district and regional levels

Peer mentoring, regular appraisals, and staff involvement in decision-making also drive motivation.

4. Lack of Teaching and Learning Materials (TLMs)

Books, science kits, manipulatives, and visual aids are often in short supply—especially for KG and P1–P3 levels.

✅ Solutions:

  • Partner with private publishers and NGOs

  • Encourage locally-made TLMs using cardboard, chalk, wood, and bottle caps

  • Introduce inventory management systems for accountability

🔗 Learn how to align TLM needs in your School Inspection Plan

5. Learning Poverty and Low Literacy Levels

The 2023 World Bank report on Ghana states that 7 out of 10 children in P4 cannot read or understand a basic passage in English or a Ghanaian language.

✅ Solutions:

  • Scale up reading clinics, storytelling clubs, and “one book a week” programs

  • Promote phonics-based literacy instruction

  • Leverage the National Standardised Test (NST) to identify learner needs
    🔗 More insights in the New GES Curriculum 2025 Overview

6. Weak School Leadership and Management

Ineffective headteachers lead to poor supervision, documentation, and weak staff coordination.

✅ Solutions:

  • Targeted headteacher training in leadership and financial management

  • Use SIPs to build leadership capacity

  • Encourage collaboration with circuit supervisors and PTA

🔗 How to Write an Effective SIP in Ghana—A roadmap to strong leadership

7. Limited Use of Data and Technology in Schools

Only a small percentage of schools maintain digital records of attendance, performance, or infrastructure.

✅ Solutions:

  • Train teachers in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Kobo Toolbox

  • Introduce basic ICT into SIP planning

  • Adopt digital lesson plans and e-reporting templates in urban clusters

8. Community Disengagement and Low Parental Involvement

Many parents see school as “the government’s responsibility,” leading to low attendance at PTA meetings, weak school-home collaboration, and neglect of children’s learning at home.

✅ Solutions:

  • Organize “Education Town Halls” once per term

  • Translate SIP goals into local languages and share with communities

  • Assign class teachers to lead community engagement initiatives

9. Inconsistent Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

Many schools are not regularly visited by circuit supervisors, leading to gaps in feedback, teacher support, and policy enforcement.

✅ Solutions:

  • Expand digital M&E tools and real-time reporting through GALOP

  • Require termly feedback loops between schools and DEOs

  • Display M&E results in staff rooms to promote transparency

10. Financial Constraints and Inadequate Capitation Grants

Schools often wait for months to receive capitation grants. When funds come, they’re often insufficient.

✅ Solutions:

  • Transparent budgeting and SIP-linked expenditure

  • Diversify funding: PTA levies, alumni support, and NGO grants

  • Advocate for performance-based top-ups under GALOP

📍 Mid-Article Internal Resources:

Conclusion: Charting the Path Forward for Ghana’s Basic Education

The challenges facing public basic schools in Ghana are multi-layered and interconnected, but they’re not insurmountable. The path to a brighter educational future requires:

  • Bold leadership

  • Community ownership

  • Policy accountability

  • Persistent innovation

By embracing reforms, leveraging data, and supporting school-level planning through effective SIPs, Ghana can ensure no child is left behind.

🌐 External References and Further Reading

  1. World Bank – Ghana Education Overview

  2. UNESCO – Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

  3. Ghana Ministry of Education

  4. Global Partnership for Education – Ghana

👉 Subscribe to our newsletter for expert insights on Ghana’s education system: educationghana.org/subscribe 📩 For partnerships and research support, contact: Ellisferdinand@ymail.com or Education.ghana@yahoo.com 

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