Corporate Governance as a Tool for Effective School Management in Senior High Schools in Ghana

Abstract

This study enriched the discourse on improving governance practices in Ghana’s Senior High Schools (SHSs) by promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in school management. It examined the state of Corporate Governance (CG) within SHSs, identified key challenges, and proposed strategic interventions. A qualitative research design was adopted, involving a review of policy documents, academic literature, and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from four senior SHSs across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Northern Regions. Participants included headmasters, assistant headmasters, and officials from the Ghana Education Service and the Public Services Commission. Purposeful sampling guided case selection. The findings revealed significant deficiencies such as outdated CG regulations, ambiguous board oversight roles, weak disclosure practices, and limited stakeholder engagement. Recommended interventions included strengthening regulatory frameworks, promoting participatory governance, and implementing capacity-building initiatives. These measures aimed to enhance governance efficiency, financial transparency, and institutional accountability. The study contributed to the broader conversation on governance reform in Ghana’s education sector and underscored the importance of sound governance in achieving sustainable school management and institutional excellence.