Motivational Strategies to Reduce Truancy Among Basic Four Pupils at Nyamekrom Ma Basic School

Basic education provides children with essential skills in literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, which are essential for higher education and professional development. However, truancy among learners in Ghana’s basic schools disrupts this process, resulting in significant gaps in their knowledge and skills. This study sought to address truancy among basic four pupils at Nyamekrom MA Basic School in the New Juaben South Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana, using motivational strategies. The research design employed for the study was action research. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select four pupils exhibiting truant behaviour. Data collection instruments included observation, interviews, and tests. The data collected were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. The results revealed that lack of parental care was a major cause of truancy among the pupils. Additionally, it was found that the pupils’ academic performance suffered due to their truancy. The study also showed that motivational strategies encouraged the pupils’ regular school attendance, which in turn improved their academic performance. Based on the findings, it was concluded that since truancy is a serious threat to school children, it can affect their academic progress in future. It was therefore recommended among other things that parents, teachers and policy makers should work together to sustain pupils’ interest in school to ensure regular attendance and better academic performance.