ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Macroeconomic Indicators on Agricultural Commodity Prices in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Countries

Through agriculture, SSA countries contribute enormously to the international market regarding food security. However, the agricultural sector in SSA has become vulnerable due to external shocks and has affected commodity prices as well as the economic stability of member countries. With food prices being projected to increase by 14.84% from 2022 to 2023, concerns have been raised about welfare in SSA regarding rising poverty, food insecurity, and geopolitical tensions in the near future. This made it necessary for this study to investigate how interest rates, exchange rates, and the price of crude oil affect the prices of agricultural commodities in Sub-Saharan African nations. In order to achieve the study's objectives, we used the fixed effect estimating technique, which was supported by Hausman-Wu's test, and data on 16 African nations from the World Bank and UN Food and Agricultural Organization databases covering the years 2009–2022. The study discovered that the price of crude oil and the exchange rate had a major impact on the price of agricultural commodities. The inverse relationship between interest rates and agricultural commodity prices, however, was not supported by any statistical data, according to the study. Therefore, it is recommended that governments in SSA countries must have balanced monetary policies, targeted agricultural credit programs, promote regional trade and currency agreements and encourage investment in alternative energy sources to reduce interest rates exchange rates and crude oil price effect on the agriculture sector.

Source: UCC
Effects of macroeconomic uncertainty on capital structure choices for non-financial firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange

The study examined the effects of macroeconomic variables on capital structure choice of non-financial listed firms in Ghana. The capital structure variables used were short term debt, long term debt and total debt. Macroeconomic variables were measured using inflation rate, interest rate and GDP growth rate. The study employed pure quantitative method and panel data covering the period from 2004 to 2014. Annual data for capital structure and macroeconomic variables were collected from 2004 to 2014 and the panel ordinary least square estimator was used to establish the relationships between capital structure and macroeconomic variables. The result revealed that 59.40% of the total capital of the non-financial firms in Ghana is made up of debts. Of this 48.46% constitute short-term debt while 12.40% is long-term debt. It is therefore concluded that non-financial firms listed on the GSE rely heavily on debt to finance their operations. The regression results for inflation rate, interest rate and GDP growth rate had negative relationships with short term debt and total debt. Interest rate had a positive relationship and inflation and GDP growth rates had negative relationships with long term debt. The overall results show that macroeconomic variables had no significant effect on capital structure of nonfinancial firms listed in Ghana. While by entering control variables such as return on asset, return on equity, asset structure and firm size, the effects become significant in relation to short term debt. It is therefore recommended that management should focus on internal factors and closely observe the economic fundamentals so as to respond to movements in macroeconomic variables.

Source: UCC
The effects of malaria and HIV co-infection on hemoglobin levels among pregnant women in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana

Objective: To assess the burden of maternal malaria and HIV among pregnant women in Ghana and to determine the risk of anemia among women with dual infection. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at 4 hos- pitals in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis, Ghana. The study group comprised 872 consenting pregnant women attending prenatal care clinics. Venous blood samples were screened for malaria, HIV, and hemoglobin level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between malaria, HIV, and risk of anemia. Results: In all, 34.4% of the study cohort had anemia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that pregnant women with either malaria (odds ratio 1.99; 95% conﬁdence interval, 1.43–2.77; P= b 0.001) or HIV (odds ratio 1.78; 95% conﬁdence interval, 1.13–2.80; P =0.014) had an increased risk of anemia. In adjusted models, pregnant women co-infected with both malaria and HIV displayed twice the risk of anemia. The adjusted odds ratio was 2.67 (95% conﬁdence interval, 1.44–4.97; P =0.002). Conclusion: Pregnant women infected with both malaria and HIV are twice as likely to be anemic than women with a single infection or no infection. Measures to control malaria, HIV, and anemia during pregnancy are imperative to improve birth out- comes in this region of Ghana.

Source: UCC
Effects of malaria in pregnancy (mip) on pregnancy development and its outcome: a Critical review

Malaria is the most important tropical parasitic infection in humans all over the world, and very common in developing countries especially in the tropical zones. The protozoan parasites Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae and P. ovaleare transmitted through the bite of sporozoite-infected female Anopheles mosquitoes to cause malaria in humans. Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is a clinical situation in which a pregnant woman is infected with Plasmodium parasite resulting in malaria. MiP is detrimental to both the pregnant woman and her fetus, and it remains as one of the major causes of infant mortality in malaria endemic regions especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. It causes several histopathological changes within the placenta and umbilical cord which manifest in several clinical symptoms. It is one of the key contributors to preterm delivery, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR), miscarriage, intrauterine death, poor neurodevelopment and immunosuppression in infants. Most distinct systemic proinflammatory responses in pregnancy are characteristics of severe malaria, and excessive activation of the immune system is central to the pathophysiology of placental malaria. There is extensive research on VAR2CSA and its contribution to placental sequestration. Currently, VAR2CSA protein is being made into pregnancy malaria specific vaccines for non-immune mothers to reduce placental malaria infection. This review summarizes the evidences, currently known clinically significant manifestations and the ultimate effect of MiP on pregnancy development

Source: UCC
Effects of Malaria on Galectin-3 And Insulin Resistance in Diabetics and Non-Diabetic Respondents within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Malaria stands as the primary cause of mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Besides, Sub-Saharan Africa also has the largest type 2 diabetes mellitus rate growth. Malaria causes insulin resistance in adults. Galectin-3 on the other hand has been explored in numerous conditions such as diabetes, inflammation, fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, certain cancers and heart failure. Considering the many pathophysiological processes associated with galectin-3, it might play a vital role in malaria infection. However, scientific information on the impact of malaria on circulating gelactin-3 levels and its relationship with insulin resistance in the context of development of T2DM is unknown. Hence, this study aimed at investigating the effect of malaria on galectin-3 and insulin resistance in 160 patients with and without T2DM who had malaria or not within the Tema metropolis in the Greater Accra region. Under fasting conditions, body measurements of weight and height were taken to calculate the individual's body mass index (BMI). Additionally, blood pressure, waist circumferences (WC) and hip circumferences (HC) of each participant was measured following the standard protocol. Above all, blood glucose (FBG), full blood count (FBC), lipid profile, serum insulin and galectin-3 of each patient were measured. Homeostatic models assessment of insulin resistance (HOMAIR) and beta cell function (HOMAB) formulas were utilized to arrive at the aforementioned results Compared to controls, diabetics without malaria exhibited statistically significant (P < 0.05) increases in mean age, BMI, WC, HC, SBP, DBP, FBG, insulin, galectin-3, HOMAIR and HOMAB. Diabetics with malaria were significantly (𝑃 < 0.05) of high age with higher mean values of FBG, SBP, DBP, galectin-3 and HOMAIR but decreased mean values of insulin and HOMAB compared to controls. Malaria was associated with dyslipidemia, characterized by low total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL but high levels of triglycerides in both T2DM and non-diabetic respondents. Insulin resistance within the study population was aggravated by malaria in both study groups. Malaria was associated with high serum galectin-3 levels in both study group.

Source: UCC
The effects of mining activities on the schooling of indigenous youth and the corporate social responsibility of mining companies in Tarkwa

The study is about the educational background of the indigenes of Wassa West District and their employability at the mines. Most of the indigenes in the district are not gainfully employed. They are neither engaged in farming nor formal mining which are the main sources of income in the area. They rather resort to galamsey and pay little attention to schooling. There are occasions when the mines express the desire to recruit the indigenes as a compensation for exploiting their natural resources, but they are often constrained by the inadequacy of the skills of the indigenes. This research therefore, uses interviews and questionnaires to investigate the problems that militate against effective Human Resource Development of the indigenes. 23 Basic Schools were purposively sampled from 75, two Senior High Schools from five, and 17 galamsey units were selected for the research. Questionnaires about indigenes and interviews were administered to some teachers of the selected schools. Similar questionnaires and interviews were administered to Galamsey operators. The findings indicate that most of the indigenes prefer working at small scale mining and Galamsey sites rather than schooling. It is recommended that apart from the educational infrastructure which is provided by the Mining Companies, they should also provide scholarship schemes to entice the residents of the communities to patronise schooling.

Source: UCC
The effects of moisture and fermentation periods on the physical and biochemical properties of ‘amelonado’ and ‘hybrid’ varieties of cocoa beans

The effect of moisture content (5-24%) on some physical and compressive properties of the ‘Amelonado’ and ‘Hybrid’ varieties of cocoa beans were studied. Alongside, the effects of fermentation periods (0-8 days) on the biochemical profiles of the dried beans were studied in three morphological parts (whole bean, nib and shell). Four experiments were separately conducted as completely randomized, factorial designs. Compared to the ‘Amelonado’ variety, the axial dimensions (viz. length, width and thickness) of the ‘Hybrid’ cocoa beans were significantly higher (p < 0.05). With increasing moisture content, the bean mass, particle density, porosity, angle of repose and the coefficient of friction increased linearly in both varieties while inversely, the bulk density decreased. Increasing the moisture content decreased the rapture force with lesser deformation. As the beans were compressed, there was ca. 2 to 3-fold higher fracture resistance in the horizontal orientation compared to the vertical orientation. There were variable effects of fermentation period on phytochemicals including polyphenols, free fatty acid (FFA), titratable acidity, total soluble solids and pH in the spatial regions. Irrespective of fermentation period, the FFA content of the whole bean, nib and bean shell of both varieties remained within the acceptable range (<1.75%). The ash and carbohydrate content in the respective spatial regions of both varieties increased (P < 0.05) with fermentation duration. However, as the fermentation period increased the protein content in all the different parts of the beans decreased, irrespective of the variety.

Source: UCC
Effects of moringa (moringa oleifera) leaf powder and dawadawa (parkia biglobosa), on sensory characteristics and nutritional quality of frankfurter-type sausages – a preliminary study

Dawadawa (Parkia biglobosa) seed powder and Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf meal are commonly used in Ghana as flavouring agents in local dishes. This study was conducted to determine the effects of these local food flavouring agents on sensory characteristics and nutritional qualities of frankfurter-type sausages. The sausages were formulated in a Completely Randomized Design, where dawadawa and moringa leaf meal were added at three levels of inclusions (2g, 4g and 6g/kg meat), and were compared with standard sausages. Sensory and chemical analyses were conducted on the products to determine their acceptability and nutritional quality. Dawadawa up to 6g/kg meat had no effect on sensory characteristics and acceptability of products. However, it improved the crude protein, but had no effect on the fat content of the products. Moringa up to 6g/kg meat imparted (P<0.05) green colouration to the products, but did not have significant (P>0.05) effect on flavour and acceptability. The moringa products however, had improved (P<0.01) crude protein and reduced (P<0.05) fat contents. Dawadawa inclusion up to 6g/kg meat did not have much impact on the products. The benefits may be realized if the levels are increased beyond 6g/kg meat. Moringa leaf powder could be used in meat products if the green colouration could be masked, to make the product more appealing to the consumer

Source: UCC
Effects of motivation on productivity in agricultural sector in Ghana prisons service: A case study of the Medium Security Prison, Nsawam

The Ghana Prisons Service engages in agriculture for two main reasons: for knowledge and skills acquisition in agriculture by the prisoners and to produce food for consumption. There is the perception of low levels of productivity in agriculture in the Ghana Prisons Service. The study sought to determine the effects of motivation on increasing productivity in agriculture at Nsawam Medium Security Prison in order to achieve the reasons for which the Service engages in Agriculture. The research used a survey design. Questionnaire was administered to a stratified randomly selected forty inmates and twenty officers deployed in the field of agriculture at the Prison. Data was collected on the background of respondents, perceived levels of productivity and motivational factors that can bring about increased productivity in the restrictive environment of imprisonment. The data collected from the questionnaire was organised into frequency tables and percentages. The study confirmed the perception that productivity was low in the agricultural sector of the Medium Security Prison at Nsawam. It also revealed that the inmates, engaged in agricultural activities were not imbibing the desired attitude to take up agriculture as vocation in the prison and after imprisonment. The research showed a strong perception that provision of resources would help increase productivity. It highlighted certain motivational factors relating to recognition, self growth, work achievement and work environment as those factors that can lead to increased productivity in agriculture at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison and these factors are recommended to the service to boost agricultural productivity. Furthermore, it is recommended that additional training be given the officers and inmates in agriculture, coupled with adequate provision of resources for production as well as intense supervision to meet targets.

Source: UCC
The effects of motivation on productivity: the case of akim south district of Ghana education service

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of motivation on productivity in Ghana Education Service in the Akim South District of the Ashanti Region. Five research questions guided the study. Quantitative research design was employed. A sample of 160 respondents participated in the study through structured questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. All the respondents were professional teachers from the Asante Akim South District in the Ashanti Region. Sampling was done using the simple and stratified random sampling techniques to select teachers across the selected schools. Data analysis on the other hand was performed using the Statistical Products and Service Solutions (SPSS), version 17 using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Most of the incentives received by the respondents were non-monetary and that the major tangible incentive package available for teacher motivation is salary. In addition, the respondents were dissatisfied with the incentive system and highly demotivated by the incentives because they were non-monetary. It was concluded that teachers are poorly motivated and are dissatisfied with their living and working conditions compared with other professionals. Mass promotion of teachers, lack of career advancement opportunities, poor work environment, inadequate fringe benefits etc for teachers de-motivate teachers for higher productivity. It was recommended that teachers should be actively involved in the design of incentives packages by the GES since they are the beneficiaries of these packages and know best what they need.

Source: UCC
Effects of motivation on the performance of Ghana Arm Forces schools and selected public schools

The study sought to assess the effect of motivation on the performance of Ghana Armed Forces schools and selected public schools in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis. Four research questions were posed to guide the study. The descriptive survey design was used. All basic schools in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis constituted the accessible population. However, only six public schools and six armed forces schools were involved in the study. A total of 177 respondents, comprising 12 head teachers and 165 teachers were randomly and purposively selected. In order to gather relevant data for the study, two sets of likert-type scale questionnaire were designed for head teachers and teachers. Data gathered were analysed using frequencies, percentages and means. The independent samples t-test was also employed to test the differences between the reactions of respondents to the various motivation variables at a p-value of .05. Some of the major findings were that the school environment in public schools encouraged performance of staff than what exists in the armed forces schools; the staffs of armed forces schools were more rewarded than their counterparts in the public school. It was recommended that schools must provide a lot of resources for teaching and learning both inside and outside the classroom to create a conducive and an enabling environment for teaching and learning; heads of institutions should be more democratic and also vary leadership style to suit a particular situation this will largely determine the kind of interrelationship that will exist between and among teachers, head, students and non teaching staff.

Source: UCC
Effects of motivational factors on employee performance: a study of Kakum Rural Bank Limited

The performance and survival of any organisation (such as banks) in a dynamic work environment, among other factors, depend largely upon the employees’ motivation. Given that needs of employees and the level of motivation may differ from organisation to organisation, an understanding of what fosters and enhances employee motivation and performance is critical.The study sought to assess the motivational packages available at Kakum Rural Bank limited and how it affects employee performance. The convenience sampling method was employed. Data was obtained through self-administered questionnaires to staff members of all the branches of Kakum Rural Bank limited. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The study revealed that, management can make use of different factors and policies to motivate employees in the banking environment. Employees are interested in enhanced salaries, fringed benefits, promotion, and car loans as motivating elements sufficient to push employees of the bank to give out their best. The research also revealed that the core duty of the bank is normally carried out by clericals who are more than the supervisors and as such motivational packages should be geared towards the clerical workers to ensure that they delight the customers. Promotion has been a worry to most staff; measures should be put in place by management to ensure that there is continuity in the promotion of staff to avoid low productivity in terms of deposit mobilisation. The study revealed that if management withdrew motivational packages it will have serious repercussions on employees’ performance.

Source: UCC
Effects of municipal waste compost and nitrogen fertilizer on growth and mineral composition of tomato

Purpose Since simultaneous use of organic and mineral fertilizers on the basis of their chemical compositions can lead to better plant growth and soil fertility, the roles of municipal waste compost (MWC) and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on growth and mineral composition of tomato and some soil properties were evaluated under greenhouse condition. Methods Treatments involved four MWC rates (0, 1, 2, and 4% on the basis of soil dry weight) and four N levels (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg-1 soil). Red cloud variety of tomato was sown in treated soils and 9 weeks later dried plant shoots and soil sub-samples were subjected to analysis. Results Combined use of MWC and N led to better growth of tomato than sole application of either MWC or N fertilizer. Plant concentration and/or uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese were increased by both MWC and N. The beneﬁcial effect of MWC on nutrients uptake was more pronounced with N addition. Plant and soil concentrations of cadmium and lead were under the detection limit of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Soluble salts, organic matter, sodium, chloride and DTPA-extractable zinc, copper, iron, and manganese in the soil were effectively increased with addition of MW Conclusions Due to high soil pH and calcium carbonate equivalent (CCE) values of the calcareous soil, MWC heavy metals had no hazardous effect on tomato and even played a nutritional role. The most important problem raised from MWC application was the accumulation of soluble salts in the soil which must be monitored when making repeated application of MWC over an extended period of time

Source: UCC