Religion and educational attainment among young people in Northern and Southern Ghana

Kamil Fuseini, North-West University, South Africa
Acheampong Y. Amoateng, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus
Ishmael Kalule-Sabiti, North-West University, South Africa

This study examined the relationship between religion and educational attainment in Ghana. It also examined this relationship in the educationally disadvantaged northern sector and in the advantaged southern sector among young people aged 15-34 years, utilising the 2008 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) data. Religious differences in educational attainment are evident, especially in the already disadvantaged northern setting. The logistic regression results show that Muslims, Traditionalists/Spiritualists and young people with no religious affiliation are less likely to have access to education and attain higher levels of education compared to Christians. The odds of young people in the north compared to their southern counterparts having access to education are 39 percent lower. However, the odds of young people in the north attaining higher education are 2.25 times greater compared to their southern counterparts. Female disadvantage is pronounced in all comparisons compared to their male counterparts. The policy implications are discussed.