Community Engagement and School Governance in Ghana: Insights from African Contexts

Community engagement is increasingly recognised as a critical component in achieving effective school governance, particularly within African contexts where community involvement can enhance educational outcomes and improve accountability. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with a survey among parents, teachers, and local administrators to gather insights into current practices and challenges. The analysis revealed that community engagement significantly influences school performance, particularly in areas such as resource allocation and curriculum implementation, where active participation leads to more equitable and effective outcomes. This study underscores the importance of fostering inclusive governance models that encourage active community involvement. Recommendations include developing targeted training programmes for community leaders and policymakers on participatory practices. Develop targeted training programmes for community leaders and policymakers on participatory governance models; promote dialogue between communities, schools, and local governments to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation.