An assessment of sports facilities in senior high schools and the effect on sports development in the Tano North and South Districts of Ghana

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess and evaluate the state (current) of sports facilities and effects on sports development at the Senior High School (SHS) in the Tano North and South districts in Brong Ahafo region, Ghana. A quantitative research approach was used for the study. The research technique used was descriptive survey method. The significance of the study was to create awareness that availability of sports facilities in the Senior High School improve sports performance. The study again would help SHS students to develop good attitude towards sports participation. The study would also provide data upon which further research into areas of physical education could be done. Three research questions were raised. The instruments used were interviews, observations and questionnaire. Data was analysed using chi square(x²) to test the hypotheses and find the relationship between availability of sports facility and sports performance. The findings revealed that the study fails to accept the hypotheses that there is no significant relationship between sports performance and provision of sports facilities. Both teachers and students accepted in the study that there is a significant effect of availability of sports facilities on sports performance and also agree that existing facilities are not properly maintained. The descriptive analyses revealed that sports facilities in the various schools were not adequate for their PE subject requirement. Other findings are that most of the facilities have paths and passages across them since people use them as routes to their destinations, for celebrations and other activities. This indicates that there are no proper management systems put in place. Generally, the study has revealed that sports facilities in the Tano North and South were inadequate and have significant effect on sports performance. Some recommendations were that administrators and other stake holders should invest in sports facilities to beef up performance