Impact Of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) Policy On Basic Education In Atwima Kwanwoma District,Ghana

The effectiveness of basic education to eradicate or reduce the level of illiteracy and also enhance development has been an issue of concern to all the stakeholders of basic education.This has been one of the reasons for the introduction of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education(FCUBE)in place of the former Primary Education in Ghana.Therefore,this study investigated the impact of FCUBE policy on Basic Education in Atwima Kwanwoma District of Ghana.The descriptive research design was adopted for carrying out the research work.Participants that cut across educational authorities,teachers,parents and students were sampled.The majority of Ghanaian children who attend public basic schools are not receiving the quality of education they require to progress beyond post-basic levels of education.The government of Ghana thought it wise that,in order to ensure a successful implementation of FCUBE policy,capitation grant,school feeding program and provision of exercise books and textbooks were introduced as strategies to sustain the policy.The capitation grant was introduced to help in purchasing teaching and learning materials and other needed items to see pupils? improvement.Also the school feeding program was realized to support parents who cannot afford a meal to their wards when in school.This paper analyses the impact of the free compulsory universal basic education policy on basic education in Atwima Kwanwoma district of Ghana.The study reviewed what educational scholars have said on education in Ghana and the world as a whole.Emphasis was made on the education hindrance and progress in Atwima Kwanwoma District.The study investigated the performance of Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education program in Atwima Kwanwoma District.Specifically,the study was intended to;determine the extent to which Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education(FCUBE)policy has improved pupils? performance in Atwima Kwanwoma District.Ascertain the extent of improvement in infrastructure and staffing of basic schools in Atwima Kwanwoma District.And also determine the extent to which the introduction of FCUBE policy has enhanced school enrollment of students in the District which were the general objectives of the study.Base on the objectives,five research questions were generated.Both primary and secondary data was used in the analysis.In analyzing the data,quantitative and qualitative methods were employed.The analyses confirmed the impact of the provision of school uniform on pupils? enrolment.It also established the fact that,provision of teaching equipment has a great influence on pupils? basic education certificate examination(BECE)results.Again,availability of infrastructure helps pupils to perform better and also increase enrolment.Teaching aids has a vital role to play during instruction.It was realized in that availability of teaching materials improves pupils? performance.Although,the FCUBE policy has been implemented long ago but there is inadequate funds to support its success.It was recommended that for the policy to succeed,the present administration should endeavor to build and consolidate on the implementation of FCUBE,and provide adequately some essential facilities and materials.Government should do more to improve the quality of infrastructure and materials available for the achievement of the FCUBE policy goals.More suitably qualified teachers should be employed to maintain high standard of education in the basic schools.Also,efforts should be made to address the issue of poor funding of the policy.