High Out-of-School Children Rates Hit Northern Ghana, Eduwatch Census Shows

Accra, Dec. 12, – A census by Africa Education Watch uncovered alarming levels of out-of-school children (OOSC), with more than 22 percent of the national total clustered in the Northern region.

The survey pinpointed the sharpest OOSC figures among 15-17-year-olds, signaling rising secondary-level dropouts, alongside persistent shortfalls in early childhood education for ages 4-5.

Researchers Dr. Jones A. Frimpong and Mr. Justice Agyei-Quartey from the Bureau for 360 Research and Innovation led the effort. Backed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and partnered with STAR-Ghana Foundation, the census spanned 20 Northern districts to deliver community-driven data for better education policies.

Findings showed most OOSC were boys, especially in Chereponi, Nanumba South, Tatale Sanguli, and Bawku West districts. Boys face heightened dropout risks from migration, dangerous labor, and economic strains, demanding tailored strategies for them alongside ongoing efforts for girls.

Key barriers included financial hurdles and poor school infrastructure. Recommendations urged boosting early childhood facilities and staff in needy areas, launching catch-up programs for older children in high-risk zones, and crafting boy-specific initiatives to curb migration and work-related exits.

Africa Education Watch Executive Director Mr. Kofi Asare called the data a urgent alert for bold action. "We need to explore new funding models to address issues of OOSC. We cannot achieve that much if we cut funding for agencies under the Education Ministry," he said.

He pushed for school improvements to keep students enrolled, plus teacher hiring and placement by early 2026, focused on the North.

Eduwatch board member Madam Dorothy Konadu viewed stakeholder turnout as proof of dedication to fair, quality education access. After four years of OOSC remedies under the 2022-2025 Education Sector Medium-Term Plan, she stressed evaluating gains to shape the 2026-2029 plan.

Ghana Education Outcomes Project National Coordinator Hajia Nana Fatima High affirmed the census mirrored ground realities, urging swift responses. UNICEF Education Specialist for Access Mr. Christopher Nkrumah advocated stronger data systems for smarter decisions.

GHBUSS