EFFECTS OF SINGLE PARENTING ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF BASIC SCHOOL PUPILS IN YAMORANSA CIRCUIT, MFANTSEMAN MUNICIPALITY, CENTRAL REGION

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of single parenting on the academic performance of basic school pupils at the Yamoransa circuit in the Mfantseman Municipality. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population was basic school pupils in the Yamoransa Circuit. The total population was 200 made up of 80 males and 120 females. A sample of 200 was used by employing a purposive sampling. The instrument used for the study was two sets of self-designed questionnaire for students and teachers. The questionnaire comprised 26 close-ended items. The researcher’s supervisors validated the instrument. Reliability was established with Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.802. Data was analysed using frequencies, percentages and the independent sample t-test. All tests were determined at 0.05 significance levels. The findings revealed that majority of the pupils in single parenting homes are supervised by their siblings when learning at home. Again it was revealed that the main area of effects of single parenting on the academic work of pupils had to do with single parents not providing all the books their children need on time. The outcome of the study was used as a basis to recommend to school authorities, community leaders, government agencies, NGOs and professional guidance and counselling coordinators to work together by organizing school durbars, parent-teacher meetings and making use of such fora to enable parents know that their supervision of their children is vital to the success of their academic work