ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Role Of Herbalists In The Management Of Severe And Uncomplicated Malaria Among Children In The Shama Ahanta East And Ahanta West Districts Of Ghana

The role of herbalists in the management of malaria in Ghana is yet to be recognized despite the proliferation of antimalarial herbal products produced by the herbalists, on the Ghanaian mar- ket. This study was carried out to ascertain the role of herbalists in the management of severe and uncomplicated malaria among children in the Shama-Ahanta East and Ahanta West Dis- tricts of the Western Region of Ghana. The study areas were divided into twelve clusters, ques- tionnaires and focus group discussions were used to obtain the needed information on the peo- ple’s knowledge about malaria, their perception of the herbal medicinal practice and the role herbalists play in the management of severe and uncomplicated malaria among children. All the herbalists involved in the study used plants with neem tree (Azadiracta indica) being the most commonly used (43%). The study indicated that 75.6% of mothers patronized recognized health- care services with only 7.3% patronizing both the services of the herbalists and recognized healthcare providers whilst 17.1% of the mothers relied solely on the services of herbalists. All the herbalists managed convulsion but only 65% collaborated with health centres in the manage- ment of malaria. The study has unveiled the significant role of herbalists in the management of malaria in the two districts.

Source: UCC
Role of higher education and science, technology and innovation in capacity development in Ghana

Ghana has shown keen interest in promoting Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and Higher Education (HE). However, the STI and HE systems do not seem to be adequately focused on Ghana’s socio-economic needs. Furthermore, existing STI and HE policies and programmes do not appear to be motivating enough to drive investments and technological upgrading. Consequently, many of the country’s important STI institutions are unable to effectively carry out their mandates. The study was undertaken to examine the role of STI and HE policies in capacity development in Ghana. The desk study showed that there has been a lot of investment in setting up STI and HE institutions which have yielded some positive outcomes especially in the country’s recent research output. Progress on Ghana’s capacity for STI looks encouraging, given that Ghana’s overall Africa Capacity Index is Medium primarily because of a narrow financing base. The country also currently has a comprehensive STI policy draft to work with up to 2024. However, there is the need for Ghana to put in place workable monitoring and evaluation strategies on STI and HE policies and programmes. This will enhance the impact of STI and HE on the economy of the country

Source: UCC
The Role of Home Environment in the reading Proficiency Achievement of Primary Two English Language Learners

Learning to read and write seems to be the focal point of educating individuals and children. According to Vygotsky‘s (1978) Sociocultural Theory, children‘s learning begins at home and what takes place at school reflects children‘s home living and literacy environmental factors. This reason sparked the need to investigate the home literacy environment and its effects on the English reading outcome of grade 2 pupils such as the relationship between parental socio-economic status and pupils‘ reading achievement. Through purposive sampling, the research selected 112 grade 2 pupils and their respective parents to produce quantitative and qualitative information for the study. The study organised the analyses into contextual factors (parental education level, occupation, electricity, and television), home reading materials, and home literacy activities (parental teaching, reading to child, and singing, rhyming, telling stories, and visiting the library). The findings revealed that most grade 2 pupils lived in poor home literacy environments due to the low level of education of their parents and parental occupation. However, the findings show that high or middle level of parental education is a positive predictor of children reading outcome, as well as electricity presence in the home. Although a marginal majority of homes had reading materials, they did not have any positive significant effect on children reading competencies but the number of books available in the home did. In terms of the home literacy activities, the study revealed that only a few parents engaged their children in literacy activities. Also, the frequency of engaging the children in reading, parental teaching, and storytelling at home proved to be significant positive predictors of early reading competencies. The study has implication for pedagogy, policy making, and further research.

Source: UCC
The Role of Incentives in Employee Retention in Ghana: A Case Study of SMEs within Ghana Industrial and Commercial Estate Limited

The main purpose of this study was to examine the role incentives in employee retention of Small to Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs). Research for the study included a literature study of both content and process theories of motivation in order to identify those factors that are important when evaluating incentives on employee retention. Survey design was employed for this study and stratified and convenience sampling techniques were used in selecting seventy-five respondents from SMEs within Ghana Industrial and Commercial Estate. Data was elicited from respondents using questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics. The major findings indicate that, incentives have an impact on employee retention in SMEs. It was revealed that SMEs do not have incentive packages for their employees and the major cause of employee turnover is job insecurity. However, to prevent high employee turnover, the most effective strategies are to provide employees with bonus and job security. The study recommended that, employers should study the needs of their employees to enable them to know the most effective incentive programs that will help retain their key employees.

Source: UCC
The role of indigenous Assin religion in the practices of inheritance and succession of the Assin

This thesis examined the influence of the Indigenous Assin Religion (IAR) on the inheritance and succession practices of the Assin. The purpose was to establish the link between the IAR and the inheritance and succession practices and find out whether the presence or absence of the influence of the IAR has affected these practices. The research was conducted in four selected towns. Using an interpretative paradigm mainly semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussions, the study was intended to investigate the role of IAR on the inheritance and succession practices of the Assin. The study revealed a strong link between IAR and inheritance and succession practices of the Assin. The study, however, revealed some changes in the inheritance and succession practices. The practice whereby the spouses and their children were considered not part of the lineage of the deceased person and thus were denied a share of the self-acquired properties of the deceased person no longer holds. Also, on the succession practices, a key finding was that the enactment of the Chieftaincy Act (Act 759) and the process started to codify the lines of succession to stools and skins could lead to succession disputes being settled amicably. The study recommended that traditional authorities be encouraged to remove those cultural practices that are inimical to the wellbeing of widows. Also, it was recommended that the codification of lines of customary rules of succession be expedited to cover the whole country since this study believe would help in dealing with any succession dispute that may arise.

Source: UCC
The Role of Insect Flower Visitors in Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata') Agro-Ecosystem in three Districts in the Central Region of Ghana

Despite its numerous beneficial uses, there is controversy among research scientists about the main type of pollination of cowpea. Therefore, what role do cowpea insect flower visitors play in cowpea agro-ecosystems? In order to answer this question and others this study was undertaken to assess the role of insect flower visitors in cowpea agro-ecosystems in three districts in Central Region of Ghana. The findings would help pest control practitioners to devise appropriate measures to control cowpea pests without destroying useful insects and pollinators. Proportional random sampling was used to select 110 cowpea farmers and 50 Agricultural Extension Officers from the three districts. Questionnaire was the main instrument.' used. Field experiments were also conducted to find out the role of insect flower visitors in cowpea agro-ecosystems. Majority of farmers (98.1%) and Extension Officers (88.6%) indicated that pollinators transfer pollen grains from anthers to stigmas of flowers. However, 1.9% of farmers and 11.4% of Extension Officers stated that pollinators destroy flowers. Flowers visited by Xylocopa calens and Megachile sp. developed more pods and seeds than control flowers. Also, leaves of progenies of flowers visited by Megachile sp. were not as photosynthetically efficient as the leaves of progenies of control flowers. Progenies of flowers visited by Megachile sp had significantly higher phosphorus and protein content than progenies of control flowers. One implication of the findings is that progenies of flowers visited by Megachile may develop reduced leaf area. However, further research will confirm this.

Source: UCC
The Role of Internal Audit Function in the Detection and Prevention of Material Weaknesses: a Case Study of Agotime-ziope District Assembly in the Volta Region

The purpose of setting up an internal audit unit in an organization is to expose or correct its material weaknesses to ensure that its specific goals and objectives are achieved. This study therefore focused on the role of internal audit function in the detection and prevention of material weaknesses in the Agotime-Ziope District Assembly in the Volta Region of Ghana. The descriptive survey method was used and data were collected through the use of questionnaires from a sample size of 75. Data generated were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that the Agotime-Ziope District Assembly does not have improper supervisory policies or regulations to improve upon the competency of staffs whilst performing an engagement, but rather, the archaic method is used. Again, it found that there is no existence of audit work schedules. Few logistics are provided to record the information obtained, analyses made and conclusions reached during an audit. The study recommends, among others, that Management of Agotime-Ziope District Assembly should encourage staff to strictly adhere to the audit charter to avoid major or minor deviations. Furthermore, Management of of Agortime- Zipoe District Assembly should be in position to create a software to aid in checking their books of account

Source: UCC
The role of laws and policies influencing anthropogenic activities on wetlands: A study of the Iture-Abakam wetland in Cape Coast

Until the Ramsar Convention of 1971, wetlands were virtually considered as "wastelands". The Iture-Abakam Wetland which had been reported to be the only single location in Ghana where all five of the mangrove species can be found, is undergoing some form of degradation mostly due to anthropogenic influences. The main aim of the research was to assess how anthropogenic activities are influencing this landform taking into account the role of laws and systems put in place to manage and protect this landform. Arc GIS version 10.5 was used to generate a land cover map from 1991 to 2020 and observe the changes. Interviews were also conducted with key stakeholder such as the personnel from the Wildlife Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Land use and Spatial Planning Department as well as the Chief and Fetish Priest to seek their views on the laws and policies on the Iture-Abakam wetland. Findings from the study revealed the wetland area recorded a decrease of -83.24 % from 1991 to 2020. The built-up area however increased with 78.30 %. Over the same period. Overharvesting of mangroves, dumping of refuse, sand mining and residential development were found to be the main anthropogenic activities that degrade the wetland. Currently, no law exists for the protection and management of the wetland as is the case for most of the non-Ramsar site wetlands in Ghana. The local laws that use to protect the area are not adhered as a result of little regard given to traditional laws and policies today. It is recommended that the various non -Ramsar sites such as the Iture-Abakam wetland should be gazetted and protected by national laws. The traditional authorities should also be empowered by the central government to implement any local law and policies they may formulate to protect wetlands in their locality.

Source: UCC
The role of model complexity and the performance of the selection criteria in asymmetric price transmission models

The role of model complexity in asymmetric price transmission model selection is not well understood. In order to appreciate the role of model complexity in model selection performance, this study fits alternative asymmetric price transmission models that differ in complexity to simulated data and evaluates the ability of the model selection method to recover the true model. The results of Monte Carlo experimentation suggest that in general BIC, CAIC and DIC were superior to AIC when the true data generating process was the Manning Error Correction model (MECM). However, AIC was more successful when the true model was the Complex Error Correction Model (CECM). The tendency of the complex model (CECM) to over fit the relatively simpler true asymmetric data generating process (MECM) is minimized in larger samples. The research findings demonstrate the role of model complexity in asymmetric price transmission model comparison and selection

Source: UCC
The role of motivation on employees performance evidence from Anointed Electrical Engineering Services Limited

The study sought to find the role of motivation on employee performance. The study was conducted by collecting data from a sample of 72 respondents’ selected using purposive and convenience sampling technique from the targeted population of 90. The data was analysed using the responses from the survey reveal that motivation has a positive effect on employees’ performance in the company. Again, it was revealed from the study that non-monetary factors also motivate employees significantly. Based on the findings, it was recommended that management of Anointed Electrical Engineering Services Limited should put measures in place to ensure that working conditions are improved. Also management should pay attention to the non-monetary factors of motivation so as to enhance employee performance in the company.

Source: UCC
Role of non-governmental organisations in mitigating gender based violence in Ghana: A case study of Ark Foundation in Accra metropolis

The investigation centered on the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in mitigating gender based violence in Ghana, particularly in the Accra Metropolis. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. In all, fifty (50) respondents comprising fifteen (15) NGO workers, fifteen (15) rape victims and twenty (20) wife battery victims were chosen for the study. The main instruments used in gathering relevant data were a semi-structured questionnaire and an interview guide. Some of the major findings of the study were that, the commonest forms of gender based violence in Accra Metropolis were sexual and physical abuse. Also, sexual passion, refusal to sexual advances, misunderstanding and financial problems happened to be some of the causes of gender based violence in Accra Metropolis. Moreover, some of the effects of gender based violence identified in the study were broken bones, broken home, swollen face ,sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy, pains insomnia, among others. The research revealed that, emergency shelter, counseling, legal aid support and medical assistance are provided by NGOs to victims. Financial assistance, educational support and advocacy programmes are also offered to victims to address their problems. The study recommended among other things that NGOs should set up telephone hotlines where victims in distress can reach out to these organizations for immediate assistance.

Source: UCC
The role of non-governmental organisations in rural development: The case of Christian Rural Aid Network

This study examines some of the roles non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play in promoting rural development in Ghana using Christian Rural Aid Network (CRAN); an NGO in Cape Coast as a case for study. The study identified some of the programmes and activities of CRAN in two of the communities it operates in, namely Duakor and Abakam, all suburbs of Cape Coast. Simple random sampling was used to identify 188 households using their house numbers for the study. The study identified some of the roles CRAN is playing in rural development to include the running of micro-credit schemes, providing counseling services, helping people to establish and expand businesses, supporting education, assisting farmers and fishermen, establishing of churches and providing employment opportunities. The study also revealed what the community members expected from CRAN as an NGO and this included the need to provide sanitary facilities, clinics and loans; some of which are already being met by CRAN. Programme maintenance responsibilities of the activities of CRAN have also been discussed. Some challenges in the area of land acquisition and refusal to pay loans on the part of those who have benefited from the credit schemes were identified as threats to the credit schemes. Suggestions to problems here include the need for CRAN to acquire enough land and the taking of legal measures to retrieve loans given out to beneficiaries who default. At the end of the study it came to light that the activities of CRAN as an NGO are helping to promote rural development.

Source: UCC
The role of non-governmental organizations in expanding access to and participation in basic education in the bongo district

This study looks at the role of Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in expanding access to and participation in Basic Education in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Basic school teachers, children in programme, officials of NGOs, District Education Office (DEO) Staff and Community members constituted the population. In all, the sample size of the study stood at two hundred and thirty (230). Data were gathered using questionnaires and interview guides. Analysis of data was also done using the descriptive statistics of the statistical package for social science. (SPSS). The major findings of the study are that, NGOs give special assistance to children in programme such as books, pens and payment of medical bills. Challenges that face NGOs include inadequate funding, access to land and inadequate commitment on the part of community members. Some of the interventions of NGOs in the area that need improvement include, adequate provision of teaching and learning materials and the need to extend school feeding programmes to the JHS level. Based on the findings therefore, the recommendations put forward include the fact that, NGOs need to diversify their sources of funding by looking at ways of generating income internally to implement their work plans. There is also the need for NGOs to channel their energies more towards the provision of teaching and learning materials as well as regularly organizing capacity building workshops for Basic School Teachers and Staff of the DEO. Finally, there is the need to extent feeding programme to Junior High Schools.

Source: UCC
Role of personal values in investment decisions Perspectives of individual Ghanaian shareholders

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the role personal values play in investment decision-making processes among Ghanaian shareholders. Design/methodology/approach – In consequence of the recent emergence of the issue of corporate governance practices in Ghana, and the kind of the research objective of this paper, a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods was used. These methods were used in two stages. The first stage was qualitative, which purposively selected 20 individual shareholders to solicit their perspectives on how personal values influence investment decisions. Their responses were used to construct the content of this enquiry. The second stage, which was quantitative, used stratified sampling technique to select 503 individual shareholders to confirm the responses obtained from stage one of the enquiry. Findings – The findings of the study reveal that individual shareholders in Ghana hold value priorities and that honesty, a comfortable life and family security play a significant role in their lives and their investment decision-making processes, and the kind of companies they choose to invest in. Also, to Ghanaian individual shareholders, there is a clear distinction between a comfortable life and a prosperous life in the sense that they are not incentivized more by the latter but by the former in their investment decisions. Practical implications – The results can inform corporate directors and managers what values are considered in investment decisions, and that it is not purely financial. With these results, they can be informed that while some financial values are important, it is just to live a comfortable life and not a prosperous life. This may influence these directors and managers to have a more long-run focus and to have more of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) focus by putting implementable measures in place to tackle corporate responsibility issues and to take up a responsibility for their CSR feat. Also, the results can be used for public policy in that if regulators find out that more CSR-type information is important to investors, they might require additional CSR-type disclosures in financial statements. Originality/value – This paper contributes to the knowledge on the stakeholder perspective of corporate governance that individual shareholders’ personal values have influence on their investment decisions and the choice of companies they invest in.

Source: UCC