ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impact of civic education on the exercise of civic rights and responsibilities: a case study of the youth of Agogo Asante Akyem.

Civic education is an essential ingredient for developing people to become useful citizens to their communities and the country at large. This study sought to find out the impact of civic education on the exercise of civic rights and responsibilities. A simple random sampling technique (probability sampling) was adopted. A total of 150 participants (aged 18-35 years) were used for the study. Data collection was by questionnaires and interviews. Frequencies and percentages as well as percentage rank was employed for the data analysis. The main conclusion drawn from this study is that civic awareness, as a result of civic education mainly done by the media increases the likelihood and actually influences a person (youth) to engage in civic activities even when that individual does not have deep knowledge or understanding about that activity (No or little knowledge but has awareness). It was evident that there was no NCCE office in the entire district in which the study area is the capital town. The most significant agent for civic education within the study area was the media with radio being the dominant force followed by television, information centres and Newspapers. Also it came to light that a significant number of people who do not enjoy some civic rights and also do not perform some civic responsibilities are due to some barriers, factors or forces which prevents them. The two major factors that prevented the youth from enjoying civic rights and performing civic responsibilities were religion and family.

Source: KNUST
Impact of Capital Market on Financial Performance of Camelot Ghana Limited

The thesis financial to an assesses the financial performance of camelot Ghana Limited on how well the company performed after enlistment on the GSE. The analysis of this study is conducted in two sections with a case study on capital markers and financial ratio analysis. The goal is achieved through implementation of different financial analysis tools evaluated. Furthermore, comparisons are made on the company’s financial statement. Five years prior to listing on the GSE were analyzed and compared with five years after listing on the GSE. The growth rates of these ratios were also analyzed. The Ratio analysis trend showed that, the studied company had problems with absolute liquidity. However, other calculated financial ratios were at acceptable levels. Profitability ratios trend for the studied company was impressive for the business, it was connected with high returns on assets and adequate profit margins. Activity ratios on the other hand showed that the companies’ market strategies had more good figures. In order for the capital markets in Ghana to be attractive to the private sector, various classes of stocks with adjusted voting rights which are currently not being practice in the country with have to be introduced to enable individual corporate owners who fear losing control of their companies to their shares on the capital market. Unstable macroeconomic variables in Ghana also hinder the development of the capital market. Ghana has no adopt policies that lead to low inflation and interest rate, stable foreign exchange rates and balance her budget. The attainment of these goals is essential to ensure the public’s confidence to increase their financial assets holdings.

Source: KNUST
The impact of climate and land-use changes on the hydrological processes of Owabi catchment from SWAT analysis

Study region: The 69 km2 Owabi catchment in Ghana. Study focus: The Soil-Water-Assessment-Tool (SWAT) was used to assess the hydro-climatic variability resulting from anthropogenic activities from 1986 to 2015. Specifically, the model simulated historic and projected stream-flow and water balance. Future stream-flow projections were modelled for three climate ensembles under three different representative concentration pathways (RCPs) for two land-use categories. New hydrological insights for the region: Initial results revealed that forest and topography played major role in water loss, whereas evapotranspiration and surface runoff were the dominant modulating processes. Monthly calibration/validation of the model yielded acceptable results with NSE, R2, PBIAS and RSR values of 0.66/0.67, 0.67/0.67, 8.2%/8.0% and 0.59/0.58 respectively. Uncertainty was fairly low and the model enveloped about 50% of the observed stream-flow. The RCP projections for all land use categories showed decreasing rainfall and streamflow trends. The model proved efficient in determining the catchment hydrology parameters and has potential to be used for further modelling of water quality and pollution to aid in effective water management.

Source: KNUST
Impact of capital structure on profitability of universal banks in Ghana

This study focused on the impact of capital structure on some listed state banks and private banks in Ghana with regards to profitability. This study adopted a descriptive research design with quantitative approach. The study population covered the nine universal bank that have data on their published annual statements for the period 2000 to 2010 within Ghana. Panel data for the selected companies were analyzed using fixed effect regression statistical technique to test the relationship between capital structure variables and return on asset (roa) and random effect used to test the relationship between capital structure variables and return on equity (roe). Other statistical methods of partial correlation and summary of descriptive statistics were also used to analyze the study results. Variable computations were done with the assistance of Stata computer software. The statistical method used to test these effects is the fixed effects model. The results show that the total debt-to-equity ratio (tde) and the total debt to tangible assets ratio (tdta) are statistically significant and negatively correlated with performance, while roce and bank scale are statistically significant, and the independent variable (performance) is positively correlated.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Christian Health Services on Communities in Ashanti Region With Reference to the Seventh – Day Adventist Church

A major problem facing people at all levels in our communities is ill health. The cause in most cases is ignorance and non - adherence to principles of a healthy lifestyle. Most of these principles are largely written but the question is how many even among the educated people love to read Christian health books. The Adventist health care delivery system is mainly dependent on pieces of printed information on health; this is known as Adventist Literature Healthcare Delivery (ALHD). This study finds out whether people do or do not really patronise these Adventist health books. Another issue of concern is the reason why Christian churches such as the Seventh-day Adventists establish hospital and clinics since their primary mission is to evangelise. The survey undertaken has shown that the main motive of the establishment of these health facilities is not based on economic gains. They are rather part of strategies to prepare grounds for winning converts to Christ. If people are healthy then they would be willing to listen to the gospel. Another reason for these establishments is on humanitarian grounds. Christian missions are responsible for assisting the needy and the deprived. It is seen that most of the Adventist Health Institutions in Ashanti Region are cited in the rural areas. The truth of the matter is that they want the rural communities to have access to medical healthcare like their counterparts in the city. Despite all these, it seems that people visit and patronise spiritual healers at shrines and prayer camps for treatment of diseases. The survey indicates that 37% of patients within the catchment area of these hospitals and clinics consult spiritual healers at various prayer camps for treatment of diseases.

Source: KNUST
Impact of chirano gold mines operations on levels of As, Pb, Hg AND Cd in the suraw river and the possible health implications on downstream communities.

Suraw River water quality awareness and preference survey conducted in five immediate downstream communities indicated that the residents were very much aware of the changes that have occurred since the commencement of active mining by CGML last quarter in 2004. Notwithstanding the residents overwhelming preference for the borehole water for their basic water needs including drinking, some people still rely on the River water when they go to their farms. Suraw River which principally drains the surface waters of Chirano Gold Mines operational area was investigated to assess the levels of As, Cd, Pb and Hg in the River water, bottom sediments and community borehole water using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP – OES) for the water and sediments respectively. The results of the study generally showed low to below laboratory detection levels for the four heavy metals under investigation. The occurrence of Arsenic in more than half of the sampling sites in both the Suraw River and the community boreholes and particularly its detection at S1 in the surface water samples are most probably as a result of natural background levels. Except Cadmium which exceeded the Lowest Effect Level (LEL) in the sediment samples, the concentration of As, Pb and Hg were below the LEL of toxicity. The concentration of Cd also exceeded the Threshold Effect and the Probable Effect Levels but lower than the Severe Effect Level o f sediment toxicity at five of the six sampling sites. The study has shown that the concentration of the four heavy metals investigated in both the Suraw River and the community borehole water were lower than expected compared with WHO/GWCL Drinking Water Standards and were within acceptable limits for potable water and therefore do not pose any immediate health risk to residents and settler farmers who still depend on the River water for their basic water needs. Apart from the concentration of Cd in the River sediments which showed consistent increase along the course of the River, concentration of the rest of the heavy metals investigated were all below the LEL and do not have any detrimental ecological impact on freshwater flora and fauna.

Source: KNUST
The impact of Cocoa Disease and Pest Control (CODAPEC) and Hi-Tech Programme on Cocoa Production in Ghana

The study sought to determine the impact of Cocoa Diseases and Pests Control and Hi-Tech Programme on cocoa production in Ghana. The specific objectives were to examine the impact of “HI-TECH” and “CODAPEC” Programmes on cocoa production in Ghana, to determine the costs of the operational activities associated with the cocoa “HI-TECH” and “CODAPEC” Programmes and to identify the challenges that hinders cocoa production under the “HI-TECH” and “CODAPEC" Programmes. Data from the survey was gathered using the Quantitative method. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed with aid of SPSS. The sample size was hundred and forty-nine (149) respondents. The study findings revealed an average growth rates of yield increased at 65% and 39% for “HI-TECH” and “CODAPEC” respectively. The study showed that difference was due to the fertilizer used, extra spraying and adherence to good agricultural practices by “HI-TECH” farmers’. The finding indicated that cocoa farmers’ commitment, time of spraying and good agronomic practices were considered the factors that positively influence the reduction of pest and diseases on the farms. The study revealed that both programmes made some gains but the fertilizer use in cocoa production (“HI-TECH”) was highly sustainable, financially viable and profitable and also provided sufficient incentive for the continuity of the programme and sustenance of the cocoa industry. Late arrival of chemical, poor chemical distribution process and quantity of insecticides and inadequate fungicides were among the challenges that confronted the farmers. It is recommended to policy makers to subsidize cocoa fertilizer and other agro-chemicals used in cocoa production to entice larger majority of Ghanaian cocoa farmers to adopt fertilizer applications as component of cocoa farming activity to increase their output and increase the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

Source: KNUST
Impact of copper-based fungicide application on copper contamination in cocoa soils and plants in the Ahafo Ano North District, Ashanti Region

The control of the blackpod disease of cocoa is mainly by the application of copper-based fungicides. However, copper fungicides used might have negative impact on soil pH, available phosphorus and organic matter and may also persist in cocoa beans which can negatively impact on the health of consumers. A study was conducted in selected cocoa farms in the Ahafo-Ano North district of the Ashanti Region to evaluate the effect of copper contained in fungicides on the soil, cocoa beans and leaves. Soil analysis showed that the amount of both extractable and total copper in the soil did not vary significantly with increasing soil depth, but varied significantly (p<0.001) with the age of cocoa plantation. Soils of the various cocoa plantations were contaminated with regard to Contamination Factor and Geoaccumulation index distribution pattern of total copper in the soils and ranged from 0.93 and 4.08 and 0.62 to 2.72 respectively. Cocoa beans analysis revealed that, the beans were not contaminated with copper and showed no correlation with selected soil properties. This indicates that copper in the soil did not affect cocoa beans significantly. Copper content of leaves on the other hand showed positive correlation with organic matter. The amount of soil organic matter decreased with increasing soil depth from the top to the subsoil (p< 0.04). Whereas available phosphorous varied significantly (p = 0.002) with the age of farm, pH did not.

Source: KNUST
The impact of conflict management practices in organizations: a case study of GHACEM, Takoradi

The aim of this study was to find out the causes, types, effects and strategies on how to manage conflicts in organisations effectively to enhance organisational performance. It is the prime responsibility of management to put in place appropriate strategies on how to minimize conflicts to ensure organisation's performance. This research contributes to the body of the existing literature; specifically it will inspire managers to develop appropriate strategies on how to manage conflicts in their organisations effectively. The convenience sample of one hundred and fifty staff was selected for the study from Ghana Cement Factory, Ghacem Takoradi. The tabular and bar chart method was used to analyze the data. The findings indicated that the major cause of organizational conflict is limited resources and deficiency in information flow. It is recommended that management should enlarge the resource base of the company.

Source: KNUST
The impact of communication management amongst team members on construction project successes

Project Communications Management includes the processes necessary to ensure that the information needs of the project and its stakeholders are met through development of artifacts and implementation of activities designed to achieve effective information exchange. However, the case of project managers using communication to play a role in executing a project are challenging. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of communication management among project team members within the construction industry in Ghana. Questionnaires were used to survey 96 respondents comprising project managers, architects, quantity surveyors and civil engineers. It was revealed that the roles played by project team members mainly include supervisory, field, administrative and supportive. Challenges encountered by project team member during project execution through communication roles included physical and environmental, linguistics, psychological, social and physiological. Positive impacts via communication roles that affect construction projects comprised project success and delivery, and development of common goals, with contributory factors such as effective project team, better communication channels. Negative impacts on the other hand comprised project delay and failure, poor team performance, with poor communication channels, and insufficient project fund as its contributory factors. The study recommended that communication types and channels should be improved among project team members.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Competition on Customer Services in the Mobile Phone Industry of Ghana: “A Case Study of Mobile Phone Users and Operators in the Kumasi Metropolis”.

Global system for mobile communication (GSM) which has become the digital cellular technology of choice, has the fastest growth rate and represents the largest segment within mobile communication in Ghana. This phenomenon has led to intense competition among the five telecom giants on the Ghanaian market. The objective of this study was to estalish the competitiveness of the mobile phone industry in Ghana and how their competitive behaviuor affect customer service. In carrying out this research, a case study of mobile phone operators and users in the Kumasi metropolis was used . The major instrument used for collection of data were questionnaires along side interview and personnal observation. Questinnaires were distributed to the five mobile phone operators and users of these mobile phone services in the Kumasi Metropolis . Data collected were analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. Descriptive statistics were also used to summarise the information obtained from the analysis made. Findings from the study revealed that competition plays a significant role in customer services and customer satisfaction. Thus,in a competitive environment, the bargaining power of consumers is very high because of the low switching cost in the industry and there are attractive substitutes available to the buyer. Again, competition delivers innovation and benefits to consumers through lower prices, increased consumer choice and quality service delivery. Recommendations were made for policy considerations by both the mobile phone operators and the regulatory body such as the government and the National Communication Authority (NCA ).

Source: KNUST
Impact of corporate culture on corporate performance (Case study of Adansi Rural Bank)

Assessing the impact of corporate cultural on organizational performance at Adansi Rural Bank in Ghana was the main objective of the study. The study adopted convenient sampling technique to select a total of 168 respondents from the seven branches in the Ashanti Region. Data from respondents were analyzed using the Predictive Analytical Soft Ware (PASW) formerly known as the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study also revealed a weak and statistically insignificant relationship between respondents’ sex and their current position at Adansi Rural Bank. There was a moderate negative and significant relationship between respondents’ sex and their years of experience in the banking industry. The study confirmed that sales growth, deposit, profit, employee satisfaction and training were the measures used to examine corporate performance in the Adansi Rural Bank. The study further revealed that, performance measures of the bank in 2014 was increased as compared to that of 2011 to 2013.The study further confirmed that there was a neutral compliance to the adaptability, involvement, consistency and mission of the Bank in 2011 but agreed 2014 by all the respondents the Adansi Rural Bank. In summary, the Adansi Rural Bank Limited in the years 2011 to 2013 was not incorporating the factors of examining the nature of the corporate culture at the bank. This was what led to the fall the banks corporate culture. Hitherto in 2014 the bank strongly incorporated the factors of the corporate culture which lead to an increase in the performance of bank. The study management of the Adansi Rural must ensure coordination and integration of various units in the organization. Team orientation must be strengthen and enforced among the workers of the bank. Again, management of the bank must make sure all staff members are being empowered to be able to manage their own works. Limitations the study encountered were finance and time constrains.

Source: KNUST
Impact of corporate image on customer choice of telecom service provider in Ghana (A case of Vodafone Ghana Limited)

Swift explosion in the telecommunication industry over the past decade has forced players in the multimillion sector to acknowledge the importance of service upgrading, dependability and affordability of services to subscribers. As a result, there has been an accompanying rapid development and fierce competition in the market, with a range of new telecommunications service providers emerging with varied product and services and advertising messages targeted at retaining their existing customer base as well as targeting new and potential customers. The study scans whether corporate image is a critical factor causing customers to remain loyal to the company. Both primary and secondary sets of data from customers, staff and management of the company were analyzed through questionnaires and in-depth interviews. A detailed analysis of the data revealed that though corporate image is of great importance among the factors that determine the choice of a telecom service provider, satisfaction, product and service quality and affordability should be emphasized to ensure corporate loyalty and sustainability of business. Management should critically identify, develop and pursue integrated marketing and service-oriented strategies that focus on factors that influence service quality, loyalty, value, and the skills and professionalism of employees. It is also to explore programmes that will deepen the interaction and relationship between the company and its customers so as to improve the customer loyalty and corporate image.

Source: KNUST
Impact of covid on port terminal performance. Case study of meridian port services tema.

The emergence of the coronavirus disease (also known as COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2), and its subsequent rise to the status of a global pandemic, caused major disruptions that had catastrophic effects on international trade, the welfare of seafarers, economies, travel, demand and supply, supply chains, and logistics. It is now more important than ever for shipping lines, freight forwarders, port authorities, and terminal operators to work together and use resilience measures to control disruption because it is unclear when the virus will go away. In this study, I concentrated on defining resilience, port performance, factors that affect disruption growth, building a framework for resilience to deal with these changes, and assessing the effects of port performance at Meridian Port Service's (MPS) Terminal 3 in Tema, Ghana's busiest seaport. To find performance bottlenecks that were observed, I conducted a study utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs) from UNCTAD and IMO Publications. Among these results are those regarding the terminal volume capacity and throughput, turnaround, queuing, and dwell times. To support my conclusions, I also used a range of sources, such as a questionnaire, Google Scholar, Elsevier, Port Authority databases, and other databases. With the use of these sources, I was able to respond to the research questions I had on how COVID-19 has impacted port terminal performance, why it is recognized as one of the biggest disruptions to global marine trade, and what port executives should do to prevent further chaotic disruptions.

Source: KNUST