University students' perceptions about male students in early childhood education and care in West Africa: the case of Ghana

Early Childhood Education and Care became part of Ghana’s basic education, yet the involvement of male teachers in the sector has not seen any significant improvement. While efforts are being made by the Ghana Education Service to address this imbalance, the issue of gender disparities in terms of the number of males compared to female teachers remains a challenge in most early childhood learning centers. This paper examines the perceptions of male students pursuing early childhood education and care programmes at the University for Development Studies in Ghana. Interview data were gathered from undergraduate students pursuing early childhood education and care. The results showed that the involvement of male students in early childhood education and care is not only beneficial but also essential for the education of children in their formative years. Male teachers in early childhood education and care also play a crucial role in nurturing children during their early years of schooling. The study recommends that the inclusion of more male teachers in early childhood education and care in the country should be encouraged.