ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluation The Perception Of Stakeholders On The Operational Guidelines Of Certified Cocoa Beans Per Quality Control Standards

The aim of the study is to ascertain stakeholders’ knowledge, perception and impact of operational guidelines on the quality of certified cocoa beans per Quality Control standards in the Takoradi take over center. A total of eighty (80) stakeholders including farmers, License Buying Agents (LBAs) and COCOBOD operatives were selected using purposive sampling technique using semi-structured questionnaire. The study revealed that all the farmers and LBAs agreed that adhering to these operational guidelines ensures the quality of cocoa beans. The study again revealed that most of the stakeholders do not have knowledge on pre-harvest and post-harvest guidelines that ensures the quality of beans. The study further showed that adherence to operational guidelines have a positive impact in their day to day activities in achieving quality beans. Nonetheless, majority of stakeholders especially farmers, LBAs and COCOBOD staff from other subsidiaries are not acquainted with operational guideline for achieving certified cocoa beans. It is recommended that there should be continuous education of famers and other stakeholders on the operational guidelines to ensure and improve the quality of cocoa beans

Source: KNUST
Event advertising and the growth of business in Ghana: a case study of MTN network and Coca Cola Company Ghana.

The aim of this thesis was to provide a better understanding of how event Advertising is used as a promotional tool to grow businesses. The research explores, describes and tries to explain the objectives with event Advertising, how specific events are selected, how the event effectiveness is evaluated, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of using event Advertising .The researcher conducted a multiple-case study on four companies in which two were selected as the main case study. The research finding shows that the main objectives stated with event Advertising are related to affecting the image and achieving awareness. Regarding the selection of specific events, companies take several criteria into consideration and the more experience they have of event marketing, the more criteria are considered. The evaluation of event effectiveness is perceived as difficult and mainly conducted through marketing research. Finally, the main advantage with event advertising is that it penetrates the media noise, while the difficulty of evaluation is perceived as a disadvantage.

Source: KNUST
Evaluting customer satisfaction in Logistics: a case study on DHL Ghana Limited

The study identified logistics processes available in DHL Ghana Limited, how the processes affect customer satisfaction and the challenges encountered in using the logistics processes. Explanatory research and case study was used to answer the research questions. The main sampling techniques used in the study were stratified random sampling and quota sampling. Thirty questionnaires were administered to both internal customers and external customers of DHL Ghana Ltd. The study revealed that DHL has adopted logistics- process in ensuring customer satisfaction. Customers within Accra, Tema and Kumasi were more satisfied than those in Takoradi, Ho and Tamale. However, problems like improper numbering of house and street delayed delivery, inadequate link between partners in Ghana and traffic along major routes affect their performance. It was suggested that staff should be trained to be abreast with logistics processes, Geographical Position Radio System (GPRS) should be introduced to direct distributing staff and supply chain principles should be applied to incorporate State Transport Company and Ghana Private Road Transport Union to ensure prompt movement of goods.

Source: KNUST
Evidence of alcoholic beverages laced with cannabis sold in bars in the Accra Metropolis

Alcohol is consumed for recreational purposes and it is not a strictly controlled substance. Misuse of alcohol can lead to severe consequences – socially and health of an individual. Alcohol is sold in bars, pubs and recreational places where people meet to chat, share a drink and to socialize. The aim of this work was to investigate potential adulteration of cannabis in alcoholic beverages that are sold in bars in the Accra Metropolis. Sixty (60) local and foreign alcoholic beverages were sampled from bars and pubs in the slums, unplanned and planned areas in the Accra Metropolis. The samples were first screened for presence of cannabis using presumptive Fast Blue B test and GC-MS was used for the identification, and quantification of the three main cannabinoids; tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 – THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) in the alcoholic beverages. The locally produced alcoholic beverages had the highest level of CBN (193.87%) while the foreign alcoholic beverage sampled from another location of Accra had highest value of 96.21% (w/w) Δ9 – THC. The average value of CBN (25.93%) was greater than the average Δ9 – THC content (5.25%). This means the cannabis used as adulterants were of old stock. This work uncovered higher levels of cannabis in alcoholic beverages sold in the Accra Metropolis. This could have health implications to customers who unknowingly purchased and consumed alcoholic beverages adulterated with cannabis that are sold in local bars in the Accra Metropolis. To the authors knowledge, this work is first of its kind to demonstrate lacing of alcoholic beverages with hazardous cannabis sold in bars.

Source: KNUST
Evidence of Climate Change Coping and Adaptation Practices by Smallholder Farmers in Northern Ghana

Evidence on how coping practices for immediate climate variations can transform into long-term adaptive capacity are relatively limited. This study addressed this gap by identifying the coping practices for short-term climate variations and the adaptation measures used by smallholder farmers to address future climate change in northeast Ghana. The paper used a mixed-methods approach, including household surveys, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were collected from 555 households located in six communities across three districts in northeast Ghana. Results indicated that smallholder farmers were employing a host of practices to address the threats posed by climate change. Key adaptation practices included the planting of drought-tolerant crop varieties, the use of indigenous knowledge, intensification of irrigation, migration, adjusting the planting calendar, crop diversification, mixed farming, and sustainable land management practices. On the contrary, short-term coping practices reported by the study participants included the sale of non-farm assets, complementing agriculture with non-farm jobs, selling livestock, engaging in wage labor, charcoal burning and reliance on social networks. The results further revealed that barriers to climate change adaptation and coping practices differed by gender. The paper recommends that capacities of smallholder farmers in vulnerability hotspots should be enhanced to address immediate climate variations, as well as future climate changes. Ghana’s climate change and agricultural policies should prioritize adaptations by smallholder farmers in addressing threats posed by climate change.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation the Perception of Stakeholders on the Operational Guidelines of Certified Cocoa Beans Per Quality Control Standards

The aim of the study is to ascertain stakeholders’ knowledge, perception and impact of operational guidelines on the quality of certified cocoa beans per Quality Control standards in the Takoradi take over center. A total of eighty (80) stakeholders including farmers, License Buying Agents (LBAs) and COCOBOD operatives were selected using purposive sampling technique using semi-structured questionnaire. The study revealed that all the farmers and LBAs agreed that adhering to these operational guidelines ensures the quality of cocoa beans. The study again revealed that most of the stakeholders do not have knowledge on pre-harvest and post-harvest guidelines that ensures the quality of beans. The study further showed that adherence to operational guidelines have a positive impact in their day to day activities in achieving quality beans. Nonetheless, majority of stakeholders especially farmers, LBAs and COCOBOD staff from other subsidiaries are not acquainted with operational guideline for achieving certified cocoa beans. It is recommended that there should be continuous education of famers and other stakeholders on the operational guidelines to ensure and improve the quality of cocoa beans.

Source: KNUST
Evolution of non-verbal communication systems in Kona of Ashanti region

Communication systems globally have undergone a lot of evolutions over the years and that of Kona is no exception. The repercussion of this is that there are a number of people in the Asante communities today who do not know or understand the roles involved in the various non-verbal communication systems, let alone, manage to track the milestone of its evolutions. This research brings to the fore the classification of non-verbal communication systems, the history of the evolution of non-verbal communication systems, the various roles and their impact on the inhabitants of the selected communities. The qualitative method of collecting and analysing data are utilized. Due to differences of individuals in the population, the stratified random sampling was employed and the population was divided into various strata. Interviews and observation were the main data collecting instruments used. Results show that non-verbal communication systems have been neglected with the western forms of communication are being used. The study brought to light the fact that the various non-verbal communication systems play significant roles in the lives of the inhabitants in the communities. It is recommended that communication studies students of higher institutions should be encouraged to study the traditional systems of communication of which non-verbal communication systems are embedded, so they would come out as ambassadors to also educate others.

Source: KNUST
Evoking the identity and character of African Art, Architecture and history through cultural buildings: The case of Cape-Coast.

This thesis aims at identifying some elements and concepts of art and architecture that when incorporated in building designs classifies them African. It also assesses whether evoking such elements and concepts is possible and can be easily identified by the natives of the study area and by foreigners. I conducted a survey to assess the level of awareness in Cape-Coast in Ghana which is rich in cultural heritage sites and African history. Studies of cultural buildings were carried out to find out how character and identity is given to such buildings to make them culturally significant to the particular culture it is designed for. Survey results showed that there is low knowledge and understanding of African Art, Architecture and History amongst natives in Cape Coast. People generally identify African Architecture by the aesthetic that is evident on the envelope of buildings. Evoking the identity and character of African Art, Architecture and history through cultural buildings will hopefully impact positively on Ghana’s tourism industry. One way African elements and concepts are captured in African buildings is through symbolism. Case studies were conducted on the use of symbolism in buildings and these revealed the two modes of application of symbolism, the literal and abstract modes. This thesis hopes to address the general lack of clarity on the subject of African Art and Architecture and history amongst ordinary Africans. It is hoped that this thesis will help to incorporate African elements and concepts to develop a unique African Architecture. Through findings of this thesis, model cultural centers can be designed and subsequently this model will help to educate and inform the design of other cultural buildings and eventually all buildings in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Evolution of “traditional funeral” songs among the inhabitants of Asante Mampong

ABSTRACT In Ghana, indigenous songs are regarded commonly as songs of the olden days. People who understand the need to keep tradition agree that indigenous songs should be preserved. Most studies of traditional songs have focused on the need to preserve an aspect of the Ghanaian society, but the major aim of this study is to identify, documented and notate the traditional funeral songs in Asante Mampong. It will further throw more light on their role and significance and how they have evolved over the past three decades for cultural perpetuation. It also sought to identify and document indigenous funeral songs and the roles they play in the Asante Mampong. In accomplishing this, the various types of songs were considered namely; adowa, nwomkorɔ and ayinaa (dirge). These were used because the Municipal under study cannot do away with them during funeral ceremonies. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were adopted for the study. The study revealed that indigenous funeral songs in Asante Mampong are indispensable and play an integral role in the funeral celebration among the inhabitants. The role and the significance of the various types of indigenous songs were derived from the song text. There was the realization that each song came with its own purpose and has the reason which backs the composition. It was discovered that indigenous funeral songs performed in the Asante Mampong municipal are of rich value and have rich histories. It is however recommended that traditional leaders in Asante Mampong municipal should encourage the younger generation and adults to learn how to sing traditional songs for cultural perpetuation. It behooves on scholars in the municipal to document and notate the various types of indigenous funeral songs in Asante Mampong for future references.

Source: KNUST
Evolution of “traditional funeral” songs among the inhabitants of Asante Mampong

In Ghana, indigenous songs are regarded commonly as songs of the olden days. People who understand the need to keep tradition agree that indigenous songs should be preserved. Most studies of traditional songs have focused on the need to preserve an aspect of the Ghanaian society, but the major aim of this study is to identify, documented and notate the traditional funeral songs in Asante Mampong. It will further throw more light on their role and significance and how they have evolved over the past three decades for cultural perpetuation. It also sought to identify and document indigenous funeral songs and the roles they play in the Asante Mampong. In accomplishing this, the various types of songs were considered namely; adowa, nwomkorɔ and ayinaa (dirge). These were used because the Municipal under study cannot do away with them during funeral ceremonies. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were adopted for the study. The study revealed that indigenous funeral songs in Asante Mampong are indispensable and play an integral role in the funeral celebration among the inhabitants. The role and the significance of the various types of indigenous songs were derived from the song text. There was the realization that each song came with its own purpose and has the reason which backs the composition. It was discovered that indigenous funeral songs performed in the Asante Mampong municipal are of rich value and have rich histories. It is however recommended that traditional leaders in Asante Mampong municipal should encourage the younger generation and adults to learn how to sing traditional songs for cultural perpetuation. It behooves on scholars in the municipal to document and notate the various types of indigenous funeral songs in Asante Mampong for future references.

Source: KNUST
Evolving 21st century iconography

The study explores money as an economic factor and discusses how it has significantly driven humankind from different locations to places where it is found in abundance. It investigates and explains how the search for wealth is responsible for all major cross border interactions between different races, nationals and ethnic cultures. Metaphorically, the cowrie shell has been used to represent ‘money’. It is used with other leading modern currency symbols, abstract and conceptual humanoid forms to describe mans desire for wealth. The concept of the iconographic pieces is premised on symbolic expositions that throw light on economic issues which affect all classes of people in modern times. Plastic clay and other allied ceramic materials such as coloured slips and manganese oxide constitute the material base of the project; and the most appropriate studio forming methods were employed in constructing the art pieces. The purpose of this study is to indicate how cultural barriers, racism, cultural identity crises and other related indigenous cultural issues are losing their significance because of money. It does this by exploring and producing design concepts that addresses cultural connectivity and the universal symbolisms in money. The 21st century iconographic pieces represent contextual ideas that promote the production of pluralistic artworks for the shared spaces on multicultural platforms.

Source: KNUST
Ewe pottery in philosophical and cultural context

The problem of the study was that, the rich philosophical and cultural components of pottery have not been understood and appreciated due to the fact that the concepts and values of Eυe pottery have not seen adequate documentation whereby information about the numerous vessels that are created can be easily accessed. The focus was on the practices of indigenous pottery in their philosophical and cultural milieus in order to chart a new course for unveiling and documenting pottery to the benefit of Eυes in particular and Ghanaians in general. The objectives of the study are to identify and discuss indigenous Eυe pottery tools, materials, methods and uses in selected centres in the Volta Region to find out the philosophical implications of Eυe pottery and to the extent to which Eυe pottery express Eυe culture. The qualitative research methodology was used in the study. These included descriptive and explanatory. The main data collecting tools were observation and interview. Data from both primary and secondary sources were obtained from observations and interviews conducted on the field. Inclusive were those from books, magazines and the internet. The research found that, Eυe pottery is predominantly traditional and it is still in the hands of women who use available and convenient local tools and materials to make pots, bowls and local stoves. Taboos still control some aspect of pottery such as clay digging. Round/circular shapes are still made because potters maintain that they are balanced when used in fetching water and heat is evenly distributed when placed on the local stove for cooking. Philosophically, pottery containers are regarded as vessels that hold life sustaining substances and therefore this idea is translated into the making of pottery. Further, pottery is considered beautiful when red clay slip is smeared on the surface and rendered smooth and shiny. Again, proverbs are used to portray values in relation to pottery making. Finally the transmission of pottery skills are from mother to child through observation and imitation. It is v suggested that, Eυe potters will adopt less backbreaking forming methods to reduce the incidence of waist pains. The youth should be encouraged to take up the pottery industry from their aging mothers. For the sake of continuity, pottery should be introduced in schools where there is abundance of clay to equip children, the youth with skills necessary for making pots in their respective communities.

Source: KNUST
Evolving an efficient method for mining nondredgeable areas at Dunkwa Goldfields Limited

The placer gold deposit of Dunkwa Goldfields Limited (DGL) covers the flood plains and the bed of the Off in River and is mined by the use of bucket ladder dredges. In the course of dredging, some mineralized areas are encountered which cannot be dredged with the available dredges on the mine due to one or more of the following factors: 1. Low water level above bedrock especially during the dry seasons. 2. High banks. 3. Deep gravel depth. The occurrence of any of these conditions prevents the dredging of potentially rich portions of the deposit. So far, the mine has not been able to employ any other method to exploit these areas. It is evident that the mining of these areas will increase revenue to the mine. The objective of this thesis is to develop a computational methodology for the delineation of the non-dredgeable areas at DGL and to work out an efficient method to mine these areas. A portion of Lower Off in part of the deposit where enough sampling data are available is used for this study. Since grade, flotation, bank height and gravel depth are regionalized variables geostatistical estimation method is used. Ordinary kriging is used to estimate flotation, bank height and gravel depth within the area under study and based on the results, contour maps are generated to depict the possible non-dredgeable areas. Indicator Kriging (IK) which mitigates the effects of outliers and unequal support is used to delineate mineralized zones and to estimate grades. The result of the 1K estimates is compared to that obtained by the weighted average method of local grade estimation used at DGL. By intersecting the possible non-dredgeable areas with the mineralized zones, in line with set theory, mineralized non-dredgeable areas of mining interest are delineated. It is observed that significant percentage of the mineralized zones in the area under study is non-dredgeable, implying loss of revenue if left unmined. Applicable mining methods for exploiting the mineralized non-dredgeable areas are reviewed and based on economic analysis of suitable mining methods, the most appropriate method is selected to exploit the mineralized non-dredgeable areas.

Source: KNUST
Ewe Proverbs - A Source of imagery for textile designs

There have been several ways of generating ideas for textile designs and these comprise ideas from nature, environment and coined symbols from sayings especially from the “Akan” language where the “adinkra” symbols originated. These “adinkra” motifs or imagery have been excessively used and there is the need for new ones to be generated. It is upon this, that the researcher is exploring selected proverbs of the Ewe people to generate motifs to be used for both batik and textile print designs. The current symbols used by students and professional craftsmen were identified and examined to have firsthand information about the meaning and usage of the symbols. The study collected and identified Ewe proverbs through opinion leaders and documented literature, which were developed into symbols or imagery suitable and appropriate for batik and textile design prints. An interview guide was used to collect data from students and stakeholders. The findings indicated that proverbs can be a source of inspiration for designers when generated into symbols. The study revealed that the symbols when converted into product designs such as textiles, leather, ceramics, sculpture and painting works will bring variety to the market. It also shows that proverbs can be a source for generating symbols for textile design and other field of art.

Source: KNUST
The ewiem nimdie summer school series in Ghana Capacity Building in Meteorological Education and Research—Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

T H E E W I E M N I M D I E S U M M E R CONCEPT S C H O O L . The Ew iem Nimdie summer school is a biennial or triennial event that to date has been hosted in Ghana and focuses on the atmospheric sciences; “Ewiem Nimdie” means “atmospheric science” in the local Ashanti language. The first school was conducted in the summer of 2008, hosted by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) located in Kumasi, with the second school taking place at the same institution two years later, in July 2010.

Source: KNUST