ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence motivation has on teachers’ work
performance and turnover intentions at Ohwimase M/A Basic ‘B’ School, with the view of
revealing the importance of motivating teachers in gearing towards good work performance
and improvement in pupils’ achievement. The study employed quantitative research
approach with a case study strategy in investigating the problem. The sample comprised
30 teachers in Ohwimase M/A Basic ‘B’ School in Kumasi who responded to a structured
questionnaire and provided relevant data on the study topic. The study revealed among
other things that, promotional opportunities are the most dominant form of incentive
enjoyed by teachers. Intrinsically, teachers are highly motivated by interacting with a lot
of people in their work and being useful in their community. Extrinsically, teachers are
highly motivated with the cooperative effort from their colleagues in their work and the
support giving them by the school in times of need. There was significant influence of
motivation on the work performance of teachers. Also, turnover intentions of teachers are
highly and significantly influenced by motivation. The study recommended that, monetary
based incentive for good performance must be encouraged in the Ghana Education Service at all levels to reduce the rate of teacher turnover in Ohwimase M/A Basic ‘B’.
