ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Feeding Practices on Nutritional Status of Children (0-23 Months) in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District of Ghana

Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is fundamental to the development of each child’s full human potential. This study aimed at determining the feeding practices in relation to nutritional status of children under two years in the Bibiani Anhwiaso - Bekwai District of Ghana. A cross sectional study was conducted on 369 pairs of children and mothers which were randomly selected in 2008. The nutritional status of the children was assessed using anthropometric measures such as Weight-for-Age (underweight), Height-for-Weight (wasting) and Height-for-Age (stunting). The breastfeeding and complementary practices of the mothers were examined. The relationship of these feeding practiced provided by mothers and the nutritional statuses of the children were analyzed using chi-square. It was revealed that 18.3% of the children were underweight, 17.0% were stunted and 6.0% were wasted. Close to 60% of the children (57.8%) were introduced late to the breast. Only 8.1% of the children less than 6 months were receiving exclusive breastfeeding. All the three indices of malnutrition were positively associated with the early introduction of complementary foods. About, 60.0% of children under 6 months were receiving bottle feeding. The children who were not being given fruits were 1.5 fold increased in risk of underweight. The feeding practices of most mothers were not as recommended by WHO. There is the need for the promotion of proper infant feeding practices in the Bibiani Anhwaiso District through Health Education.

Source: KNUST
The Influence of Feeding Practices on Nutritional Status of Children (0-23 Months) in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District of Ghana

Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is fundamental to the development of each child’s full human potential. This study aimed at determining the feeding practices in relation to nutritional status of children under two years in the Bibiani Anhwiaso - Bekwai District of Ghana. A cross sectional study was conducted on 369 pairs of children and mothers which were randomly selected in 2008. The nutritional status of the children was assessed using anthropometric measures such as Weight-for-Age (underweight), Height-for-Weight (wasting) and Height-for-Age (stunting). The breastfeeding and complementary practices of the mothers were examined. The relationship of these feeding practiced provided by mothers and the nutritional statuses of the children were analyzed using chisquare. It was revealed that 18.3% of the children were underweight, 17.0% were stunted and 6.0% were wasted. Close to 60% of the children (57.8%) were introduced late to the breast. Only 8.1% of the children less than 6 months were receiving exclusive breastfeeding. All the three indices of malnutrition were positively associated with the early introduction of complementary foods. About, 60.0% of children under 6 months were receiving bottle feeding. The children who were not being given fruits were 1.5 fold increased in risk of underweight. The feeding practices of most mothers were not as recommended by WHO. There is the need for the promotion of proper infant feeding practices in the Bibiani Anhwaiso district through Health Education.

Source: KNUST
The influence of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on the economic growth of Ghana (1992-2014)

The impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the economic growth of host economies has attracted significant debate in the literature with empirical evidence being inconclusive. Ghana FDI inflow has shown mix trends over the year. This paper aims to study the relationship between FDI and economic growth in Ghana for the period 1992-2014 using time series data. The data used in this study was mainly secondary data collected from the period, 1992 to 2014 consisting of yearly observations for each variable. The real GDP growth and foreign direct investment net inflows as percent of GDP (FDI ratio) data were taken from the World Banks World Development Indicators 2014 The study employs the cointegration, Vector Error correction Model (VECM) and the Granger causality testing to empirically examine the relationships and directional relationships between the variables. The study establishes that a long-run equilibrium and causal relationship exists between the dependent variable; Real Gross Domestic Product and the independent variables under consideration namely, Trade openness, Interest Rate, Inflation and Government Size. It was determined that in the short-run, effects of FDI, Trade Openness, Inflation and Interest Rate volatility on RGDP are significant while the Government Size volatile on RGDP is nearly imaginary. The significance of the FDI variable in the equation is an indication the FDI affects the macroeconomic economy. As a consequence, FDI promotion policies should be adjustment to bring more investment to the country which then translates into high economic growth in the Ghanaian economy. Future research in this area should focus on the impact of FDI on the various sectors of the economy in Ghana. This builds on the findings on this study and helps inform policy makers in shaping FDI polices for the various sectors of the economy.

Source: KNUST
Influence of green procurement practices on organizational performance in the ghanaian construction industry

The study aimed at assessing the impact of green procurement practices on organizational performance in the Ghanaian construction industry by focusing on cases of selected construction firms across various sectors in southern sector of Ghana. Specifically, the study examine the extent of green procurement adoption, identified the drivers to green procurement adoption among selected construction firm in the southern part of Ghana, assessed the barriers to green procurement adoption among selected construction firm in the southern part of Ghana and establish the effect of green procurement practices on the organizational performance among the selected construction firms. The study adopted the quantitative research method and employed the cross-sectional research designed. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 200 respondents who were put into strata using the purposive stratified sampling technique. The results showed that majority of construction firms across various sectors have adopted green procurement practices. Furthermore, the results identified 11 drivers and barriers to green procurement adoption. Finally, the results shows that there is a significant and positive relationship between green procurement practices adoption and organizational performance. It was therefore recommended that management should regularly collaborate with procurement, sustainability, and finance teams to ensure that environmental considerations are fully integrated into procurement decisions.

Source: KNUST
The influence of indigenous Akan Cultural Elements on Christian worship in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area

The Akan people of the Kumasi Metropolitan Area, who form a part of the larger Twi speaking Akangroup of Ghana, are a people with a very rich and varied cultural heritage. This cultural heritage is expressed in various forms. Such cultural forms or elements are clearly seen in the daily lives of the people. The main objectives of this research work were: a) To look at Akan cultural elements which have influenced forms of Christian worship in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area and their impact on the churches. The study also tried to find out whether there are still more Akan cultural elements which could be introduced to enhance Christian worship in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area. Finally, the study was to investigate the outcome of the introduction of further Akan cultural elements into Christian worship in Christian Churches in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area. The main instruments used for the collection of data for this thesis were questionnaire and interviews for primary information as well as the taking of pictures with a digitalcamera and the recording of interviews. The results obtained from the study, indicated that there are still more Akan cultural elements which could be incorporated into Christian worship in the Kumasi Metropolis. However, looking at the experiences of the introduction of some Akan cultural elements into some churches in the Kumasi Metropolitan area, it is obvious that it is not going to be easy trying to introduce more Akan cultural elements into Christian churches in the Kumasi Metropolis, especially, so far asthe Charismatic and Pentecostal churchesin the Kumasi Metropolis are concerned.

Source: KNUST
Influence of intercropping on growth and yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

The research was carried out at the Crops Research Institute Fumesua, Kumasi-Ghana. The Purpose of the study was to determine the response of cassava growth and yield to intercropping, the land productivity of cassava intercropping system and competitive ratio of the cropping pattern. There were seven treatments comprising cowpea, soybean, cassava and maize in association to cassava/cowpea, cassava/soybean and cassava/maize in four randomized complete block design planted in the proportion of 1:1 cassava in the cropping system. In the study, intercropping system gave higher Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) for fresh root yield of 1.28 for cassava/cowpea and 1.06 for cassava/maize. Furthermore, cassava was more productive interms of competitive ratio when it was in association to cowpea, soybean and maize. Cassava root yield ranged from 26 to 36.1 t/ha-1 and the greatest yield was obtained from the cassava/cowpea intercrop which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than cassava/soybean and cassava/maize. However, maize plant height was relatively higher in intercrop cassava than sole maize. All other treatments effects were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by the cropping system. Cropping pattern did not significantly affect cob length, number of grains per cob and grain yield. Shoot biomass of cassava was highest in the cassava/cowpea cropping system. When cassava was intercropped with cowpea, soybean and maize, initially the growth of the cassava was affected. When species were in direct competition for limited resources, an increase in yield of one component causes a proportionate decrease in other crop species. Under such situations LER would not likely be significantly greater than 1.0. In the study, such phenomenon would have led to the poor performance of cowpea, soybean and maize yields.

Source: KNUST
The influence of key performance indicators (kpis) on project success: Case study of Selected infrastructure projects in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolitan area

The Construction industry is very complex in nature; and is being challenged by highcost pressure, and increasing competition. This research aimed to investigate the influence of key performance indicators (KPIs) on infrastructure project success. Thiswas achieved through three (3) main objectives which were 1) To identify the most significant key performance indicators (KPIs) about infrastructure projects delivery in Ghana 2.) To determine the most significant factors/indicators for measuring project success of infrastructure projects delivery in Ghana 3.) To examine the intricate/underlying relationships between the most significant key performance indicators and project success. Extensive literature review was done,and a quantitative survey was designed and used in the research. Among the fifty-two (52) copies of questionnaires that were distributed, only fifty (50) copies were gotten back and this depicts 96.2%. of the responsive respondents. With the help of the techniques in quantitative data analysis (mean scores, percentages and frequencies, etc.), through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)IBM version 23, helpful meanings were extracted from the collected data to draw meaningful results, It was deduced based on the analysis that, quality, time and cost are the three most relevant and fundamental performance indicators in infrastructure projects and functionality, safety and satisfaction of the client/customer followed subsequently. Also, the most significant Key Performance Indicator was financial KPI. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, KPIs much be benchmarked for project portfolios. Also, there must be KPI reviews of the processes regarding deviations

Source: KNUST
The influence of leadership in improving productivity in public sector organizations in Ghana: a case study of Ho Polytechnic and Ho Municipal Hospital

Improving productivity has become a major goal in virtually every organization. There is considerable interest in productivity both from an organizational standpoint and national standpoint. High productivity can lead to economic growth and development. This explains why effective leadership and productivity issues seem to be paramount on the agenda of most world leaders especially those in Africa. This research examines the influence of leadership in improving productivity in the public sector organizations in Ghana, with the Ho Polytechnic and the Ho Municipal Hospital as a case study. In all, ninety respondents were sampled and interviewed by way of questionnaires. All respondents did establish that leadership’s role in the attainment of productivity in the public sector organizations is crucial. Furthermore, though gaps exist, they are not due only to leadership style but also, structures and laid down principles; some are for example, the availability of funds and terms of reference. Leadership behavior and attitude towards employees is that of cordiality most of the time but leadership sometimes acts without regards to the feelings and needs of subordinates. Meanwhile, they do sometimes have motivational packages for employees and also lead by example. Effectiveness of leadership practices was seen where it was evident that most of them would not accept mediocrity but insist on the best performance at all cost. However leadership’s weakness in this regards is the failure in formulating organizational productivity formula to serve as a guide to all workers in a bid to inculcating in them the sense of belonging hence improving on productivity.

Source: KNUST
The influence of male involvement on family planning use in the West Mamprusi District of the Northern Region of Ghana

Background: Family planning involves the processes, activities, and practices to space births and limit family size through the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. Pregnancy is intended to occur by choice and not by chance. Family planning aims to assist couples and individuals at all ages to achieve their reproductive goals so as to improve their general reproductive health. Male involvement in the context of this study implies male support in decision taken on family planning issues and encouraging women in the service uptake. Data from the West Mamprusi District Health Directorate indicate low family acceptor rate over a three-year period as 7.3% for 2014, 4.3% in 2015 and 9.1% in 2016. The low coverage for family planning has been anecdotally attributed to poor males’ involvement. Aim: This study sought to determine male involvement and its influence on family planning use in the West Mamprusi District of the Northern region of Ghana. Materials and method: The study employed a cross-sectional design with quantitative approach to data collection to determine male involvement and its influence on family planning use in the West Mamprusi District. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 140 respondents by simple random sampling. Data was check for completeness and accuracy, and analyzed using STATA version 12.1 at a significant level of 5%. Results: Average age of males interviewed was 28.52(SD ±7.30), with over threequarters (87.1%) were married men and 83.8% had at least 4 children and 72.3% reported having intention for more children with major (41.3%) decision making regarding childbearing been determined by the husbands. Males’ patronage and involvement in family planning indicates 38.6% of men to have accessed family planning with their partners, and 35% said they were stigmatized when involved in xiii family planning with partner. Overall males knowledge of family planning was 58.5% and negative perceptions and attitude of men towards vasectomy was 37.5% and facilitators and barriers to males involvement in family planning include time factor (32.1%), stigmatization/gossip (19.8%), and shyness (16.1%), prohibited by religion (13.6%) and cost/lack of monies to access the services. Major barrier affecting males involvement was contraceptives side effect (82.1%) and cited side effects to include; abdominal pains/heavy menstrual flow (33.3%), delayed pregnancy/menstruation (22.9%), weight gain/obesity (13.3%) and dizziness/headache 12.4%. Associated socio-demographic determinants influencing males involvement in family planning were; age category (OR=2.55; 95%CI 0.97-6.65; p=0.05), educational level (OR=0.19; 95%CI 0.39-0.94; p=0.04) and occupation (OR=0.37; 95%CI 0.15-0.84; p=0.02). In conclusion males’ involvement in family planning was woefully low, with high awareness level and an average knowledge level of FP. Determinants of males’ involvement in family planning was found to involve men age, educational level and occupation.

Source: KNUST
The influence of male involvement on family planning use in the west Mamprusi district of the northern region of Ghana

Background: Family planning involves the processes, activities, and practices to space births and limit family size through the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. Pregnancy is intended to occur by choice and not by chance. Family planning aims to assist couples and individuals at all ages to achieve their reproductive goals so as to improve their general reproductive health. Male involvement in the context of this study implies male support in decision taken on family planning issues and encouraging women in the service uptake. Data from the West Mamprusi District Health Directorate indicate low family acceptor rate over a three-year period as 7.3% for 2014, 4.3% in 2015 and 9.1% in 2016. The low coverage for family planning has been anecdotally attributed to poor males’ involvement. Aim: This study sought to determine male involvement and its influence on family planning use in the West Mamprusi District of the Northern region of Ghana. Materials and method: The study employed a cross-sectional design with quantitative approach to data collection to determine male involvement and its influence on family planning use in the West Mamprusi District. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 140 respondents by simple random sampling. Data was check for completeness and accuracy, and analyzed using STATA version 12.1 at a significant level of 5%. Results: Average age of males interviewed was 28.52(SD ±7.30), with over threequarters (87.1%) were married men and 83.8% had at least 4 children and 72.3% reported having intention for more children with major (41.3%) decision making regarding childbearing been determined by the husbands. Males’ patronage and involvement in family planning indicates 38.6% of men to have accessed family planning with their partners, and 35% said they were stigmatized when involved inxiii family planning with partner. Overall males knowledge of family planning was 58.5% and negative perceptions and attitude of men towards vasectomy was 37.5% and facilitators and barriers to males involvement in family planning include time factor (32.1%), stigmatization/gossip (19.8%), and shyness (16.1%), prohibited by religion (13.6%) and cost/lack of monies to access the services. Major barrier affecting males involvement was contraceptives side effect (82.1%) and cited side effects to include; abdominal pains/heavy menstrual flow (33.3%), delayed pregnancy/menstruation (22.9%), weight gain/obesity (13.3%) and dizziness/headache 12.4%. Associated socio-demographic determinants influencing males involvement in family planning were; age category (OR=2.55; 95%CI 0.97-6.65; p=0.05), educational level (OR=0.19; 95%CI 0.39-0.94; p=0.04) and occupation (OR=0.37; 95%CI 0.15-0.84; p=0.02). In conclusion males’ involvement in family planning was woefully low, with high awareness level and an average knowledge level of FP. Determinants of males’ involvement in family planning was found to involve men age, educational level and occupation.

Source: KNUST
The influence of managerial leadership styles on employees’ job performance.“A case study of Hanmax Veneer and Plywoodcompany Kaase, Kumasi”

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of managerial leadership styles on employees’ job performance. The problem of the study therefore emanated from the fact that Hanmax Veneer and Plywood Company ensure the delivery of quality products to its market, yet its employees’ job performance has remained poor, despite the various interventions by the policy makers and implementers. Thus the thesis aimed at investigating the reasons for the poor performance by investigating the influence of managerial leadership style on employees’ job performance. The Hanmax Vineer & Plywood Company was used as a case study. A sample of 170respondents was purposively chosen for the study. The samplecomprised 30 management members, 30 supervisors and 110 employees or junior workers. In the process, both qualitative and quantitative data was sought for using a researcher made questionnaire and an interview guide. Whilst the quantitative data were analyzed with frequency counts and simple percentages, the qualitative data were analyzed under themes and patters and presented with direct quotations from the interviewees. The findings of the study revealed among others that: performance of the workers depended on the type of leadership style at Hanmax Vineer and Plywood Company and the preferred leadership style as required by the workers was democratic style of leadership.It was also revealed that the problem of poor performance was due to lack of respect and recognition not salary. In this regard, it was recommended among others that: Hanmax Vineer and Plywood Company leaders should practice democratic leadership style and also, organizational leaders should seek ways of improving the working environment of employees, who were found to have low levels of work commitments.

Source: KNUST