Bridging the digital divide: ICT adoption and leadership dynamics among Ghanaian headteachers in the Wenchi municipality

This study investigates the adoption and use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools by headteachers in the Wenchi Municipality of Ghana, focusing on the integration of ICT for school management. Despite significant government initiatives, such as the One-Teacher-One-Laptop program, the adoption of ICT tools for administrative purposes remains inconsistent, especially in rural schools where infrastructure challenges are more pronounced. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) as a guiding framework, the study examines the socio-economic factors, barriers, and enablers that influence ICT adoption among headteachers. Data were collected from 200 headteachers through a structured questionnaire, and the findings reveal that while basic ICT tools are commonly used for communication and record-keeping, the adoption of advanced ICT tools for school management tasks, such as financial and data management systems, remains limited. The study highlights a significant urban-rural divide, with urban headteachers having greater access to ICT resources and support compared to their rural counterparts. The results underscore the importance of improving ICT infrastructure, offering targeted professional development, and providing ongoing technical support to enhance ICT adoption across schools. This research contributes to the limited literature on ICT adoption in educational leadership in Ghana, offering key policy recommendations to bridge the digital divide and foster equitable ICT integration in school management.