An Investigation into the Poor Academic Performance of Students at Selected Public Basic Schools in Obuasi Municipality

The study investigated the poor academic performance of students at three selected junior high schools in Obuasi Municipality, seeking to determine the inputs and processes that contributed to such an outcome. Based on the study’s research questions and aims, the researchers chose an exploratory design that combined both qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting and analysing the data. The target population for the study comprised students, teachers and parents in respect of all basic schools in Obuasi Municipality. However, the accessible population was limited to students, parents and teachers in Obuasi West Circuit. The study employed both simple random and stratified sampling techniques. Questionnaires and past records were used as data sources. Cross tabulation was adopted for analysis of the relationship between inputs and processes, and performance outputs. The study found that most respondents accepted that all inputs and processes contributed moderately to very significantly to poor academic performance. It is therefore concluded that there is a need for all stakeholders- government departments, teachers, parents and students,etc- to play their respective parts in addressing the factors that contribute to poor student performance in the schools under study if it is to be improved. 1