Leadership Preparation Learning Experiences of Novice Basic School Headteachers in Ghana

This study examined the leadership preparation learning experiences of novice headteachers in two selected municipalities within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Adopting a phenomenological design, data were collected from 10 novice headteachers through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that novice headteachers prepared for headship through self-initiated formal and informal learning avenues that were job-related but often unsystematic and unstructured. A few novice headteachers took the initiative to enroll in formal university-based programs in educational leadership and management. The headteachers largely perceived their leadership preparation as insufficient for fully preparing them for the headship role. Based on these findings, it is recommended that educational policymakers in Ghana develop and implement formal, structured leadership preparation programs to better equip aspiring headteachers for their roles.