Students Perception And Utilization Of Counseling In Ghana: A Case Study Of The Accra Metropolis

ABSTRACT This study determines the effectiveness of counselling in the SHS in Accra Metropolis of Ghana, with focus on the effectiveness of Guidance and Counselling in our SHSs. This exploratory study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. The researcher purposively sampled 101 students from ten schools within the Accra Metropolitan area. Data collected by means of a questionnaire, survey and chisquare and phi-square were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that students were of the perception that counsellors were effective in their Guidance and Counselling roles as against their coordinating and advocacy roles. Also some perceptions of students could discourage them from seeking counselling and these included the perceptions that counselling was for delinquents. The following recommendations were made based on the findings of the study: counsellors are advised to maintain mutual respect and trust between themselves and their students-clients during counselling. Also, students are advised to advocate for their concerns including keeping their issues expressed during counselling strictly confidential and independent of disciplinary action through their counsellors. These and other findings have been discussed in the main text, together with recommendations.