The Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), in collaboration with the Ghana Education Office, successfully organised a two-day workshop that aimed at enhancing the leadership capacities of basic school heads within the Cape Coast Metropolis as part of its 50th and 5th  anniversary celebration. The workshop, which took place at the University of Cape Coast, brought together a diverse group of over 170 school heads. The first day was dedicated to public school heads which had over 100 participants, while the second day was dedicated to private school heads, which also had over 60 participants.

Some distinguished guests for the program were: Prof. Michael Boakye-Yiadom(Director-General of IEPA), Prof. Douglas Darko Adjei(acting Provost for the College of Education).

Prof. Boakye-Yiadom in his opening address, promised more opportunities in the future. He also commended the participants for the good work they are doing amidst all the struggles the work comes with and urged them to continue as there are a lot of expectations from them.

The primary goal of the workshop was to empower school heads with practical leadership tools and strategies to drive improved learning outcomes in their respective schools. By focusing on both instructional leadership and organisational development, the event served as a platform for professional growth, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices across the public and private education sectors.

The workshop featured an engaging mix of expert presentations, discussions, and interactive sessions built around three central themes:

A Vision for School Success
Participants were guided through the process of crafting a clear and compelling vision for their schools. Facilitators emphasised how a well-communicated vision aligns all stakeholders—teachers, students, and the wider community—toward a shared goal of academic excellence and holistic student development.

Distributed Leadership
The concept of shared leadership was explored as a means of fostering ownership and accountability at all levels within the school system. Heads of schools were introduced to practical approaches for delegating authority, empowering staff, and creating a culture of collaboration.

Leadership for Learning
This segment focused on the critical role of the school head in driving teaching and learning. Discussions included monitoring instructional quality, supporting teacher professional development, and using data to inform decision-making.

Participants were highly engaged throughout the two-day event, with opportunities for group work, reflective activities, and experience sharing. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the balance between theory and practice and the chance to connect with colleagues across sectors.

Feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. Participants described the workshop as “transformational”, “timely”, and “well-structured”, with many indicating they had gained new perspectives on leadership that they were eager to implement in their schools.

At the close of the workshop, participants were offered certificates of participation, issued upon request. These certificates served as recognition of their commitment to professional development and capacity building in school leadership.

The Basic School Heads Workshop marked a significant step forward in supporting and equipping educational leaders in the Cape Coast Metropolis. By fostering collaboration between public and private schools, and focusing on the practical application of leadership theories, the event underscored the importance of continuous development for those at the helm of basic education delivery.
The Institute for Educational Planning and Administration is still committed to providing training and mentorship for school leaders, recognizing that effective leadership is key to achieving quality education and improved student outcomes across the country.