ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Advancing the financial performance of small businesses in ghana: does microfinancing matter?

The study examines the effect of microfinance products or services on the performance of small businesses in Ghana. Specifically, the study uses quantitative explanatory research to examine the nexus of MFI products or services (microcredit, savings, education, and insurance) including control variables such as gender, managerial competencies, owner’s age, nature of business or industry, business size) on the performance of small businesses in Ghana. The study uses descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum scores) and inferential statistics such as Pearson Correlation Analysis, and multiple linear regression on a sample size of 225 responses to help achieve the study’s objectives. The study finds that microloans affect sales growth (or levels) but not profit levels. Also, micro-savings affect the profit levels but not the sales growth and the insurance from MFIs affects the profitability of small businesses in Accra, however, it has no significant influence on the sales growth of businesses. Education provided by MFIs, on the other hand, increases both the sales and profit levels of small businesses in Ghana. The study recommends that for the profit levels of small businesses to be increased, nascent and prospective entrepreneurs need to focus on MFI products or services such as savings, insurance, and education (seminars or training from MFIs). Also, MFIs should increase the insurance packages to business owners to trust and have some assurance of cash in case of any operative or natural disaster. Moreover, MFIs should continue to offer education to small businesses consistently geared towards the performance of small businesses. Finally, MFIs and government agencies such as Microfinance and Small Loans Centre and National Board for Small Scale Industries should increase loan facilities including the duration of the loan, and the loan repayment should be spread over long periods.

Source: KNUST
Aesthetic and Educational Underpinnings of signs and symbols among the Central Ewes of Ghana

The Central Ewes have identifiable signs and symbols that are of significance to them. The youth, especially, do not adequately benefit from them. The older generations are dying with the knowledge, so a gap is created as to how to learn the accumulated knowledge and values from the signs and symbols. Central Ewe signs and symbols are also not generally known and the larger population is generally not familiar with their values. They are ‘coded’ and need to be unravelled for better appreciation. In order to solve the problem, the research sought to identify and discuss the signs and symbols, their aesthetic and educational values. The study sets out objectives, which help develop a structured interview guide to gather information. Geographically, the study is limited to eleven (11) towns in the Central Volta region of Ghana. Twenty-one (21) signs and twenty (20) symbols were identified. The signs and symbols have aesthetic and educational values from which moral lessons are learnt and it is an integral part of their everyday life. Central Ewes also have additional concepts of aesthetics which spell out the theory of excellence. Besides, they equate beauty with function or usefulness. Some of the signs and symbols are similar to that of the Akans. Their use will achieve cultural unity among the Central Ewes and other cultures, especially non-Ewes in the country.

Source: KNUST
Aeromagnetic and Airborne Radiometric Data Interpretation on Chirano Area of the Sefwi Gold Belt

The Chirano gold deposit is hosted in Paleoproterozoic rocks within the Sefwi Birimian metavolcanic belt which has been metamorphosed regionally to greenschist facies. Aeromagnetic and airborne radiometric datasets were used to examine the Chirano area. Very important information (lithology and geological features) were acquired from the datasets. These data (aeromagnetic and airborne radiometric) were enhanced to improve on the data quality to help locate the geological boundaries and features which may be of economical importance. First vertical derivative, analytic signal and reduction to the pole were some of the mathematical algorithms used in enhancing the magnetic data. These enhancements aided in locating the folds, fractures and faults which may entrap hydrothermal fluid (deposits). The Birimian metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks which are eminent in hosting gold mineralization and other metal ores were mapped as well in the Belt. The values recorded from the radiometric survey gave the amount of the uranium (U), potassium (K) and thorium (Th) which were very useful in mapping the Birimian metavolcanics, metasediments, zones of extreme deformation (altered zones) found in the lithology and contact zones between the main geological formations (lithological boundaries). The metasediments and the Belt-type granitoid (B1) were delineated to have high K, Th and U. The high resolution airborne radiometric and magnetic datasets of the study area (Chirano) gave an improved description of the major rock sequences, lithological boundaries and geological structures. This research demonstrates the worth of sets of data from geophysical surveys in mapping the possible geological structures which control the mineralization of hydrothermal gold.

Source: KNUST
Aesthetic and Educational Underpinnings of Signs and Symbols among the Central Ewes of Ghana

The Central Ewes have identifiable signs and symbols that are of significance to them. The youth, especially, do not adequately benefit from them. The older generations are dying with the knowledge, so a gap is created as to how to learn the accumulated knowledge and values from the signs and symbols. Central Ewe signs and symbols are also not generally known and the larger population is generally not familiar with their values. They are ‘coded’ and need to be unravelled for better appreciation. In order to solve the problem, the research sought to identify and discuss the signs and symbols, their aesthetic and educational values. The study sets out objectives, which help develop a structured interview guide to gather information. Geographically, the study is limited to eleven (11) towns in the Central Volta region of Ghana. Twenty-one (21) signs and twenty (20) symbols were identified. The signs and symbols have aesthetic and educational values from which moral lessons are learnt and it is an integral part of their everyday life. Central Ewes also have additional concepts of aesthetics which spell out the theory of excellence. Besides, they equate beauty with function or usefulness. Some of the signs and symbols are similar to that of the Akans. Their use will achieve cultural unity among the Central Ewes and other cultures, especially non-Ewes in the country

Source: KNUST
Aesthetic and Educational Underpinnings of Signs and Symbols among the Central Ewes of Ghana

The Central Ewes have identifiable signs and symbols that are of significance to them. The youth, especially, do not adequately benefit from them. The older generations are dying with the knowledge, so a gap is created as to how to learn the accumulated knowledge and values from the signs and symbols. Central Ewe signs and symbols are also not generally known and the larger population is generally not familiar with their values. They are ‘coded’ and need to be unravelled for better appreciation. In order to solve the problem, the research sought to identify and discuss the signs and symbols, their aesthetic and educational values. The study sets out objectives, which help develop a structured interview guide to gather information. Geographically, the study is limited to eleven (11) towns in the Central Volta region of Ghana. Twenty-one (21) signs and twenty (20) symbols were identified. The signs and symbols have aesthetic and educational values from which moral lessons are learnt and it is an integral part of their everyday life. Central Ewes also have additional concepts of aesthetics which spell out the theory of excellence. Besides, they equate beauty with function or usefulness. Some of the signs and symbols are similar to that of the Akans. Their use will achieve cultural unity among the Central Ewes and other cultures, especially non-Ewes in the country. July, 2012

Source: KNUST
Aesthetic appreciation for beginning artists

The essay provides an approach to aesthetic appreciation for the adolescent, who wants to take art as a profession. It focuses readership on Senior Secondary School. Others who want to enjoy art out of love will also find it useful. The need for this piece of investigate on has arisen due to the neglect and ambivalent attitude towards matters of aesthetic appreciation in beginners. The essay suggests that aesthetic problems cannot be solved in isolation but the total self perceptual, intellectual and emotional are mobilised to respond to the artwork. The discussion presents aesthetic appreciation as a skill, and needs be cultivated, to perceive and enjoy works of art. The youngster is recommended to start cultivating aesthetic flair by beautifying his environment, personally interact with natural objects and. finally appreciate a finished work of art. A pedagogic approach to judgment and criticism is suggested. Some colour symbolism, and prevailing concepts of beauty have also been hinted on.

Source: KNUST
Aesthetic education in Senior Secondary Schools in Ghana

The need to actively sensitize the Ghanaian public to develop appreciation for the environment is a crucial national task. The result of many years of ignorance, neglect and insipid public attitude towards the environment, have created enormous environmental problems. Among these are: 1. The wanton destruction of both natural and artificial environment 2. The neglect of proper sanitation 3. Lack of proper city, town and country planning which results in the springing up of slums and unauthorized settlements. 4. The indiscriminate disposal of industrial and human waste resulting air and water polution1 and 5. The blatant disregard for societal norms and ethics for environmental cleanliness in communities. The solution of these problems requires a massive and intensive programmme of education which should involve all sectors of the Ghanaian populace. In this regard, the school as an agent of change can play a major role by spearheading the crusade to educate children on environmental aesthetics which is a new phenomenon in the field of education in Ghana. \The research seeks to critically analyse, synthesize and evaluate the meaning and process of aesthetic concepts into the senior secondary school curriculum as a means of correcting some of these aesthetic problems in the Ghanaian society. The research is presented in six chapters as follows:— Chapter One This is the introductory chapter which deals with the problem and its setting. Chappter two This chapter reviews the related literature Chapter three The general procedure and methodology for the research are outlined in this chapter. Chapter four This chapter expatiates on the stages of development of aesthetic education in children. It determines the levels of aesthetic awareness in senior secondary schools in Ghana and traces the various stages of aesthetic development from pre—school to adolescence. Chapter five This chapter deals with the results of the information collected which include the analysis and interpretation of findings. Chapter six This is the concluding chapter. It deals with the summary, recommendations and conclusion.

Source: KNUST
The aesthetics and educational values of Adaa-Kuya festival in the Frafra Traditional Area-Bolgatanga.

This thesis seeks to bring to bear the aesthetics and educational values of the Frafra Adaa-Kuya festival in the Upper East Region of Ghana. It is also aimed at educating the general public, students of the visual arts, art educationists and experts in art about the aesthetics and educational significance of the Adaa-kuya festival. The main research method employed is the qualitative research method. The research tools used included the questionnaire, interview guide and observation. The scope of the study covered the aesthetic, socio-cultural and educational significance of Adaa-kuya festival. Also, the study covered the background and history of the Gurunsis in the Upper East Region. The planning, organization and the mode of celebration of the festival have also been identified and discussed into details. The population of the study was 100 participants of which 30 sub-chiefs were contacted using the simple random sampling techniques. The report is presented in five chapters as follows: • Chapter one is the introductory chapter which deals with the problem and its setting. • Chapter two reviews the related literature. • Chapter three deals with the general procedure used in getting the work completed. • Chapter four expatiates on the presentation and discussion of results from field study. Chapter five is the concluding chapter and deals with the summary, conclusion and recommendations.

Source: KNUST
Aesthetics in contemporary architecture: a ceramic project on the Ghana National Theatre

The main objective of this project was to examine critically the aesthetics of architecture, and what goes into the interior de9or to increase the aesthetic appeal of architecture. The specific objective in this perspective was to design and produce appropriate ceramic works that will enhance the Aesthetics of the Ghana National Theatre. The project was therefore an attempt to contribute to the development of aesthetics in contemporary architecture through Ceramics. To this end, elaborate ceramic murals and decorative pots were designed and produced. To imbibe cultural values into this work, very intriguing and symbolically educative patterns1ied to create the necessary aesthetic awareness The research methodologies used in the study are the Developmental, Descriptive and Analytical methods0 These involved the systematic development of the basic ideas underlying the designs, and the description of the approaches adopted. The out comes of these endeavours were analysed in the context of aesthetics and architecture — with ceramics as the subject factor. The report is presented in five chapters. These include the Problem and its setting, the Review of Related Literature and some Concepts of Aesthetics in Architecture. Other are the General Procedures used and the Results, Recommendation and Conclusion. The main findings of the project indicate that ceramic decorative pieces can be used to enhance the cultural, social and political significance of public buildings in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Aetiological agents of pneumonia among HIV and non-HIV infected children in Ghana: A case-control study

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children, however, the microbial aetiology of pneumonia is not well elucidated in low- and middle-income countries. Our study was aimed at determining the microbial aetiologies of childhood pneumonia and associated risk factors in HIV and non-HIV infected children. We conducted a case-control study that enrolled chil dren with pneumonia as cases and non-pneumonia as controls from July 2017 to May 2020. Induced sputum and blood samples were investigated for microbial organisms using stan dard microbiological techniques. DNA/RNA was extracted from sputum samples and tested for viral and bacterial agents. Four hundred and four (404) subjects consisting of 231 (57.2%) cases and 173 (42.8%) controls were enrolled. We identified a significant (p =0.011) proportion of viruses in cases (125; 54.1%, 95%CI: 47.4–60.7) than controls (71;33.6%, 95%CI: 33.6–48.8) and these were mostly contributed to by Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Staphylococcus aureus (16; 4.0%), Klebsiella spp. (15, 3.7%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (8, 2.0%) were the main bacterial agents identified in sputum or induced spu tum samples. HIV infected children with viral-bacterial co-detection were found to have verysevere pneumonia compared to those with only viral or bacterial infection. Indoor cooking (OR = 2.36; 95%CI:1.41–3.96) was found to be associated with pneumonia risk in patients. This study demonstrates the importance of various microbial pathogens, particularly RSV, in contributing to pneumonia in HIV and non-HIV paediatric populations. There is a need to accelerate clinical trials of RSV vaccines in African populations to support improvement of patient care

Source: KNUST
Aetiological agents of cerebrospinal meningitis: a retrospective study from a teaching hospital in Ghana

Background: Meningitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings. In sub-Saharan Africa, the meningitis belt has been characterized by particularly high and seasonal incidences of bacterial meningitis extending throughout life. Despite the progress being made in treating the condition, the mortality rates continue to be high, ranging between 2% and 30% globally. In Ghana, the mortality rate of meningitis has been estimated to range from 36% to 50%. However little information is available on the pathogens contributing to meningitis and their antimicrobial susceptibilities. Updated information is essential to adjust the recommendations for empirical treatment or prevention of meningitis which could have immense implications for local and global health. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed laboratory records of all patients suspected of bacterial meningitis who underwent a lumbar puncture from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010. Data were retrieved from laboratory record books and double entered into a MicrosoftW excel spreadsheet. Results: Records of 4,955 cerebrospinal fluid samples were analysed. Of these, 163 (3.3%, 95%CI: 2.8% to 3.8%) were confirmed meningitis and 106 (2.1%, 95%CI: 1.7% to 2.6%) were probable meningitis cases. Confirmed meningitis cases were made up of 117 (71.8%) culture positive bacteria, 19 (11.7%) culture positive Cryptococcus neoformans and 27(16.6%) Gram positive bacteria with negative culture. The most prevalent bacteria was Streptococcus pneumoniae 91 (77.7%), followed by E.coli 4 (3.4%), Salmonella species 4 (3.4%), Neisseria meningitidis 3 (2.5%), Pseudomonas species 3(2.5%) and others. Pneumococcal isolates susceptibility to penicillin, chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone were 98.9% (95%CI: 94.0% to 100.0%), 83.0% (95%CI: 73.4% to 90.1%) and 100.0% (95%CI: 95.8% to 100.0%) respectively. Conclusion: Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of meningitis among all age groups and its susceptibility to penicillin and ceftriaxone still remains very high. Ghanaians of all ages and possibly other developing countries in the meningitis belt could benefit from the use of the pneumococcal vaccine. Other bacterial and fungal pathogens should also be considered in the management of patients presenting with meningitis.

Source: KNUST
Affordable energy efficient housing: The Proposed Tema Community 23, Greater Accra Region.

Globally, affordable energy efficient housing has become a better option for providing adequate housing for urban dwellers. Most developed countries have considered the option passionately and have been enjoying the benefits of allocating resource towards developments of such nature. Some of the benefits include low energy use, low operational cost and increased rate of development of housing units. However, this has not been given adequate attention in developing countries like Ghana where the adverse effect of rapid population growth on housing delivery for urban dwellers and energy use in housing is prominent. The adverse effect includes the accumulation of housing deficit and energy crisis. The housing deficit was 250,000 units in 1985, 300,000 units in 2002 and in 2006 it was 500,000 units. To help solve the problem, this thesis investigates the benefits of tropical architecture design principles such as the use of passive ventilation techniques, use of courtyards, building orientation, appropriate window sizing and placement. The use of compressed earth as walling material, design standardization, efficient land use planning and measures put in place to reduce energy use in the buildings were also considered. The advantages of encouraging the use of energy saving technologies such as light-emitting diodes (LED), air conditioning exchangers (HVAC) and biogas in the Proposed Affordable Energy Efficient Housing for Tema Community 23were highlighted. The proposed affordable energy efficient housing for Tema community 23 may serve as a good model to help government and private developers to increase the supply of adequate housing units. It also serves as case to encourage policy makers to develop and enforce measures for ensuring that energy is efficiently used in buildings to prevent energy crisis.

Source: KNUST
Affordable housing delivery in Ghana: The role of public private partnerships

The idea of Public Private Partnership (PPP) as a model that sets out a relationship between the Public and the Private sectors has been seen as an arrangement where the two entities combine their strengths and weaknesses in terms of resources and their expertise for the delivery of a service for the benefit of the public such as the affordable housing. Governments over the years have prioritized this need in many forms to provide housing units that are seemingly affordable to its populace. This study aimed at exploring the adoption of the PPP in the delivery of affordable housing to curb the upsurge of Ghana’s housing deficit. The objectives included the following: to identify the major causes of housing deficits in Ghana, to identify challenges faced with the effective implementation of PPP in affordable housing deliveries and to identify key success factors regarding the adoption of PPP in affordable housing delivery. The study concentrated on the key players in the housing sector in Ghana; mainly professionals with knowledge and experience in the PPP arrangement system. Data was collected and analyzed using Statistical tools which included: Factor Analysis, RII and percentages. The outcomes of the study depicted that: the high cost of land and building materials were strongly associated with the high housing cost. The effective practice of accountability between parties among others such as shared trust and vision between partners were some success factors identified. It was concluded that housing deficit largely affects the populace which government alone is unable to resolve. Affordable housing delivery should be viewed as national issue. More so, for efficient PPP arrangement, government should put in place equitable policies to attract and sustain the private sector’s unflinching participation in partnering to deliver affordable housing to Ghanaians

Source: KNUST
Africa Lake Hotel

Ghana plays an increasing role on the international tourist market as in indicated by facts and figures treated in chapter two. Accommodation for tourists is fast becoming one of the top economic ventures in the country offering various forms of boosters to the economy. Some of which include • employment creation • source of government revenue through taxation • foreign exchange earnings • rate of growth in related industries, services and etc. In the light of this, the Ghana Tourist Development Corporation in conjunction with a reputable hotel developer “Graceland” wish to develop the Africa Lake site in Accra into a 120 room four star hotel. This was chosen as a thesis topic because of the numerous interesting challenges it poses.

Source: KNUST