Enhancing Educational Governance and Financing in Ghana: A Contemporary Synopsis
Abstract
Educational governance and financing are critical issues faced by many countries, which are closely tied to central government control over policies and investments in education. This article reviewed papers and policy documents in the governance and financing of education. It examined the historical and contemporary role of governments in controlling education, highlighting the centralisation of policy authority under the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service, and the implications of such control on policy implementation and institutional autonomy. The review also analysed the financing of education in Ghana, trends in budgetary allocations across basic and secondary education, as well as the persistent challenges of underfunding and inefficiencies in resource allocation. Specifically, the article identified the strengths and weaknesses contained in the literature. The study revealed that there is a need for coordination, accountability frameworks, and localised decision-making among stakeholders at the educational districts, boards of education and civil society organisations in policy frameworks. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive educational governance and sustainable financing models to achieve equitable and quality education in the face of socio-economic and political transformation in Ghana
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