Promises and realities: a qualitative assessment of Ghana's school re-entry policy for adolescent mothers in the Tamale metropolis

Ghana's School Re-entry Policy provides for the right of adolescent mothers to return to school after childbirth. However, pregnancy continues to be a significant cause of school dropout. Limited evidence is available on the experiences among young mothers of this policy in practice. This study explores the experiences of adolescent mothers and the implementation of the policy in the Tamale Metropolis. A qualitative approach was adopted, involving in-depth interviews with 15 adolescent mothers, five parents, a Ghana Education Service official, and a focus group of teachers. Data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that, despite families' desire for girls to continue schooling, re-entry was limited by low policy awareness, lack of school-based support, lack of childcare options and financial hardship. The study concludes that the absence of coordinated support puts adolescent mothers at risk of exclusion from schools. Strengthening policy dissemination, offering childcare support and strengthening school-level structures are essential to sustainable reintegration.