POLYTECHNIC EDUCATION IN GHANA: MANAGEMENT DELIVERY AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Polytechnics in Ghana are part of the higher institutional network responsible for training high quality multi-skilled units of human capacity relevant to the national need of the Ghana. This paper empirically examines the management, delivery and the challenges of polytechnics in Ghana. A cross-section design was used as well as multi-stage sampling technique. In addition, both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collections and analysis were also used. The study showed that the governing council is the highest decision making body of the polytechnics which derives its authority from the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC Law 32. Amended by Parliamentary Act 745 2007) and the rectors are the heads of administration responsible for the efficient utilization of the polytechnic resources. The rectors are supported by the vice rectors, registrars, faculty deans, heads of departments, finance officers, librarian, internal auditors, the planning officers and the students representative council. The study further revealed that all polytechnics operates the semester system and inadequate funding, inadequate staffing, high staff turnover, high enrolment, lack of effective industrial linkages, outdated curriculum delivery and unstable academic environment are some of the challenges the study has found out. Adequate funding by the government, recruitment of qualified lecturers, provision of adequate facilities by the government and revisions of outdated curriculums’ can go a long way to make the polytechnics a better place for middle man power training in Ghana and also to meet the target of the Millennium Development Goals.