ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Domestic and External Debt on the Economic Growth of Ghana, a Threshold Analysis

At the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, global debt levels have spiked significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels (IMF, 2023). The external shocks of the pandemic and the Russian-Ukraine war in conjunction with Ghana’s internal weaknesses have raised public debt to an all-time high and worsened economic conditions (World Bank Group, 2023). Research which investigates the relationship between government debt and economic growth is bountiful, however, little research conducted in Ghana has investigated a specific threshold for domestic and external debt. This research fills a significant gap in the literature by applying a different methodological approach, the Threshold Model, to investigate the impact of the country’s domestic and external debt on its growth. Both variables were found to have a non-linear relationship with economic growth, with domestic debt exerting a positive effect on economic growth below the threshold level of $362.4 million, and a negative effect above this level. For external debt, it was found that it has a positive impact on economic growth below the threshold of $791.9 million, and is not expected to exert any significant influence on economic growth above this threshold. This study contributes to literature by providing evidence that relationship between the debt variables and economic growth may be non-linear. It also aids in policy formulation by providing specific levels of debt that should be maintained if economic growth is to be encouraged.

Source: Ashesi
The Impact of ESG Reporting on Financial Performance in the Ghanaian Banking Industry

This research examines the incorporation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) elements within the banking industry of Ghana and their influence on financial outcomes. It delves into the role of robust corporate governance and social efforts in mitigating risks and fostering financial achievement, as well as the effects of environmental projects on immediate and long-term objectives. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, utilizing thematic analysis of interviews and content examination of sustainability reports. The results indicate that governance and social aspects play a crucial role in improving financial results and risk handling, whereas environmental projects have not yet shown a clear effect on earnings. The research highlights the necessity of a well-rounded ESG strategy, customized to meet the unique requirements of the Ghanaian banking sector, and offers strategic suggestions for enhancing ESG practices.

Source: Ashesi
The Impact of Financial Literacy on Decision-Making and Sustainability Practices Among Small Business Owners in Accra.

Small businesses are the backbone of the business landscape of Accra, significantly contributing to economic growth and development. As the capital city of Ghana, the dense populate of Accra and concentration of SMEs make it an ideal focus for this study. This study evaluates the dynamics of financial literacy and its influence on the decision-making processes and sustainability practices of SMEs in Accra. Adopting a positivist philosophy, the study employs a quantitative research design and uses the Resource-Based Theory and the Dual Process Theory as its theoretical framework. A convenience sample was adopted to collect data from small business owners, primarily through structured questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and simple linear regression. The results of the study found that the level of financial literacy among owners of small businesses in Accra is typically poor, with a mean score of 2.78 on a 5-point scale. Financial literacy has a statistically significant influence on decision-making processes. It also has a considerable impact on sustainable practices. These findings indicate that greater levels of financial literacy are associated with better decision-making and more sustainable business procedures. The study emphasizes the critical role that financial literacy plays in improving decision-making and encouraging sustainable practices among small business owners Accra. It also emphasizes the necessity of focused financial literacy initiatives, the incorporation of financial education into curricula, and the availability of reasonably priced financial advising services.

Source: Ashesi
The Impact of Inventory Management on the Performance of Atala Limited

The primary goal of the project is to increase operational efficiency within Atala Limited and avoid discrepancies in stock takes by providing a system that allows for real-time data reconciliation. Atala Limited needs a system that provides real time data reconciliations to implement the values of integrity and efficiency, while monitoring and controlling stock and inventory levels across branches. Structured interviews and literature reviews were used as the means of data collection. The Deputy General Manager of Atala Limited and the staff who were dealing with their old system were involved in the data collection process. Open-ended questions were used in interviews to get insight into the organization and industry. After analyzing the data collected, it is recommended that the company incorporates the Tally Prime Software, Tally.net, as well as a policy document to improve the inventory control system that the company currently has. When these proposed solutions are implemented in the daily operations of the business, it would help to combat the issues surrounding inventory management control. Among the many features provided by Tally Prime which includes data reconciliation and synchronization as well as stock alerts, Atala Limited will also benefit from the ability to access data from any location, on any computer, at any time through Tally.net. We believe that this software will greatly improve the efficiency of inventory management at Atala Limited.

Source: Ashesi
The Impact of Mobile Money Account Ownership on Women's Economic Empowerment in Rwanda

Mobile money usage has grown popular in Rwanda due to the availability and cost effectiveness of mobile phones. Moreover, government financial services and moves to eliminate transactional fees on mobile money have contributed significantly to its popularity in Rwanda. There has been research on the influence of mobile money on economic growth in Sub-Saharan African economies, however there is less evidence on the impact of mobile money on women's economic empowerment, leaving need for more research. This thesis examines the relationship between mobile money and women's economic empowerment. It used secondary data from the Global Findex database of 2017, with the target demographic being Rwandan women. The relationship between mobile money and women's economic empowerment was investigated using bivariate analysis and the Pearson Chi-square test for independence. It was determined that the two variables are interdependent and that when a woman owns a mobile money account, she is likely to become economically empowered. From the results, mobile money positively affects economic empowerment and therefore this thesis recommends that government, public and private sectors that still pay their employees in cash to switch to mobile money instead of prompt cash. This will encourage more women to use mobile money, resulting in greater economic empowerment for women.

Source: Ashesi
The Impact of Perceived Authority on the Online Purchasing Behavior of Ashesi University Students

This thesis investigated how Ashesi University students' internet buying habits are influenced by perceived authority. Given the increasing popularity of influencer marketing, it is imperative to comprehend the impact of customer perception of authority on decision-making. Using an online survey given to a representative sample of university students, this study used a quantitative methodology. The survey evaluated several factors, including the degree of influencers' perceived authority, the frequency of social media activity, the credibility of product endorsements, and the decisions made thereafter regarding purchases. The goal of data analysis was to find trends and connections between students' propensity to buy and the perceived authority of influencers. The results intended to shed light on how perceived authority affects online consumer behaviour, with important ramifications for marketers and companies that cater to college students. In the end, this study added to the knowledge of the dynamics of influencer marketing within a particular and powerful customer group.

Source: Ashesi
The Impact of Social Media on the Lifestyle of University Students: A Study in Ghanaian Universities

The growing integration of social media platforms into university students' daily lives has raised concerns about their possible influence on lifestyle and academic performance. Despite the numerous benefits, some of which include ease of communication and networking, there is enough reason to suggest that there is a correlation between excessive social media usage, social lives and academic performance of university students. This paper aims to assess the impact of social media on the lifestyles of university students in Ghana. This research employs a qualitative research approach, utilising closed-ended survey questionnaires that would be distributed via Google Forms. These forms would be sent to 100 university students across Ghana, making the data primary. The sampling technique that was employed was volunteer sampling, which ensured that there was enough representation of the various attributes. The data collected was analysed using Microsoft Excel for quantitative data and a thematic analysis for qualitative data. The privacy and anonymity of the respondents were prioritised, and the study obtained approval from the Ashesi Institutional Review Board. The study highlights a dual impact of social media on academics: while many students use these platforms for educational content and peer learning, they also experience distractions and reduced concentration. In terms of lifestyle choices, social media influences fashion, behaviour, and consumer habits, with students often emulating the lifestyles of online influencers and celebrities. The research underscores the complex role of social media in shaping both the academic and personal lives of university students, indicating a need for balanced and mindful usage.

Source: Ashesi
The influence of COVID-19 on consumer behaviors in Ghana: A study on social media buying behaviorsIAL MEDIA BUYING BEHAVIORS. Dissertation

This thesis paper seeks to verify or refute the hypothesis that the Coronavirus caused Ghanaian consumers to increase their adoption of social media when making a purchase decision. Existing literature on pandemics and consumer behavior focuses on preventive health behaviors adopted by individuals. Few studies on epidemics, pandemics, and consumer behavior focus on consumer buying behavior. Furthermore, out of this subset, few studies are conducted on the social media buying behaviors of consumers. To address this research gap, the consumer buying behavior model was used to explore changes in social media buying behaviors of consumers as they journeyed through the five major consumer decision-making processes. The Coronavirus pandemic has been marked unique due to its persistence and magnitude. It draws the attention of various researchers because it provides an avenue for insights to be learned about consumers in a situation of uncertainty. The study adopted a quantitative research method, and data was collected primarily through the administration of online questionnaires. The population of the study included consumers between the ages of 18 and 65. The participants of the study were selected through convenience and snowball sampling techniques. Google Forms were used to collect the data, and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for data analysis. The results showed that during the height of the pandemic, Ghanaian consumers, especially the youth, increased their use of social media while acquiring a product. In detail, the use of social media to discover product needs, obtain product information, evaluate alternatives, buy products, and communicate post-purchase satisfaction or dissatisfaction increased.

Source: Ashesi
The Influence of Customer Experience (CX) on the Success or Failure of Fast-Food Restaurants in Accra

This study delves into the burgeoning fast-food industry in Accra, Ghana, amid the country’s rapid urbanization and economic expansion. As Ghana’s middle class expands, the demand for fast food and out-of-home dining experiences is expected to rise. However, the lack of firm guidelines and inadequate employee training in providing excellent customer service pose a significant challenge to the industry’s sustainable growth. Drawing insights from previous research in the global context and within Ghana, this study focuses on understanding the influence of customer experience (CX) on the success or failure of fast-food restaurants in Accra. The research aims to provide actionable recommendations for enhancing CX strategies in this highly competitive market by evaluating various dimensions of CX, including customer satisfaction, loyalty, and feedback. This study also uses relevant theoretical frameworks such as the SERVQUAL model. Employing a mixed-method approach, the study combines quantitative and qualitative data. Qualitative data is collected through structured interviews, surveys, and questionnaires. The analysis follows a meticulous, structured approach as outlined by Jaini et al. (2015) and Omari (2014), ensuring reliability and validity by comprehensively examining data and applying appropriate statistical methods. Key Findings include the significant impact of service quality, food quality, and staff behavior on customer satisfaction. Qualitative data highlights issues such as inconsistent service and order inaccuracies, while quantitative analysis emphasizes the correlation between customer service and business survival. Recommendations include changing staff training, improving food quality, and ensuring reliable service to boost customer satisfaction and drive business success in Accra’s competitive fast-food market.

Source: Ashesi
The Influence of Financial Literacy on Retirement Planning of Employees in Ghana

This research delved into the role of financial literacy in shaping intentions to plan for retirement among employees in Ghana. Recognizing the challenges individuals face with Ghana's limited safety nets, the research emphasized the importance of informed financial decisions for securing a stable financial future. The study was grounded in the life cycle hypothesis and the theory of planned behaviour to understand how financial literacy prepares individuals with the information and skill necessary for retirement planning. The study assessed financial literacy levels, examined their impact on retirement planning, and explored the moderating roles of age, gender, and culture. A structured questionnaire was used to gather employee information, and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling was used to analyze the relationships between the variables. Results suggested that financial literacy was a significant predictor of intentions to plan for retirement, while ATT, PBC, and SN also positively influenced these intentions.

Source: Ashesi
The Influence of Informal Environmental Education on the Waste Disposal Practices of the Berekuso Community

This thesis explores the impact of informal environmental education (EE) on waste disposal practices within the Berekuso community, situated in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Over the years, global waste management has remained a persistent issue, particularly in developing countries like Ghana due to inadequate infrastructure and resources, especially in rural communities like Berekuso. The research objectives aim to assess awareness of informal environmental education, evaluate its effectiveness, understand waste disposal behaviors, and investigate socio-cultural influences. The study utilized the qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic design, primary data was collected through observations and semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti to develop themes. The findings revealed that residents had varying awareness about proper waste disposal methods, as some residents were aware of proper waste disposal methods through informal education channels like community activities, family teachings, and media programs. Also, the exposure to informal EE in Berekuso was not effective as it was limited by accessibility and engagement levels within the community. Lastly, the study found that cultural and social influences like gender roles and traditional beliefs significantly shape waste disposal practices, while infrastructural challenges, service accessibility, and financial constraints hinder effective waste management in the community. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing informal EE programs, investing in waste management infrastructure and developing policies that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to support waste management efforts and promote sustainable communities.

Source: Ashesi
The Influence of Mobile Money Scams on Consumer Behaviour Towards Fast-Food Services in Accra: A Case Study of Pizzaman Chickenman and Papa’s Pizza

The proliferation of mobile money services has significantly streamlined transactions in Ghana’s fast-food sector. However, this convenience comes with a downside: an increase in mobile money scams targeting fast-food consumers. Although existing literature has explored various types of mobile money scams, there has been a limited focus on its influence of these scams on consumer behaviour in the context of fast-food services in Ghana. This study fills this gap by examining the types of mobile money scams targeting fast-food consumers, their effect on consumer behaviour and the implications for businesses. Guided by three theoretical frameworks, this qualitative research collected data through semi-structed interviews with 26 participants, including of consumer and employees of the fast-food establishments. The findings revealed the most common scams targeting fast-food consumers were impersonation of fast-food personnel, fake promotions and phishing scams. These scams decreased consumer trust, increased cautious behaviors and led to a preference for cash transactions. For businesses, the implications included operational inefficiencies, financial burdens and challenges in customer relationship management. Key policy recommendations include enhancing security measures, educating customers on the issue and proper ordering processes, and improving the verification process for transactions.

Source: Ashesi
The Influence of Restrictive Dress Code on the Well-being and Output of Hijabi Employees in the Ghanaian Banking Sector

Following the events of 9/11, discrimination against hijabi women has intensified globally, particularly in the workplace (Hasan, 2022). In Ghana, such discrimination is evident in various sectors, including schools and workplaces, like in the case of Rabiatu Mohammed, who was dismissed for wearing a hijab at her National Service posting at SSNIT in Tarkwa (Kojo, 2019). Despite these observations, the impact of this discrimination on the overall well-being and output of hijabi employees in the Ghanaian context remains largely unknown. This research aims to explore and understand the influence of restrictive dress codes on the well-being and output of hijabi employees in the Ghanaian banking sector. This qualitative research gathered data through semi-structured interviews with fifteen hijabi employees working in Prudential Bank and First National Bank who permit only head coverings as part of their restrictive dress code. The thematic analysis of the responses uncovered several key insights. One prominent finding is that wearing the hijab signifies obedience to Allah and is considered an honor to represent Islam. Additionally, the study revealed a generational divide: younger hijabis (25-39 years) are less concerned about the restriction, while older hijabis (40-55 years) are more affected. Most of them revealed that this restriction does not directly impact their well-being because they have coping mechanisms. The participants also revealed that the restriction does not come between them and the work they must do or their output however they are deterred from taking up extra tasks.

Source: Ashesi
The Influence of Social Media on Consumer Buying Behaviour: The Case of Ghana's Cosmetic Industry

As more people join in providing online evaluations, influencing consumer perceptions, social media gives new avenues for consumers to get information about things they want to buy. Additionally, influencers are being used more in social media marketing to influence customer purchase behaviour. Influencer marketing is the act of engaging and advocating for a brand's message via affiliated external content creators or influencers. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of social media marketing on consumer purchasing behaviour in Ghana. The research intends to identify the marketing channel for most brands and enterprises in the cosmetic industry and assess how their advertising on the internet and social media affects their customers' buying behaviour. The study incorporated existing literature to develop a conceptual framework, which was tested to determine the relationships between social media advertising and consumer purchasing behaviours in Ghana. Additionally, the study sought to determine the mediating effect of buying intentions on consumer behaviours. In order to achive this, the study used quantitative data collected using the non-probability approach, specifically random sampling. A sample size of 156 respondents between the ages of 18-60 years. After data collection, SPSS was used to analyse the data using both descriptive and inferential statistical approaches. The findings concluded that it is reasonable to believe that buyers are hardly influenced by internet reviews, especially when they are critical of a product and what affiliations it has to the said brand.

Source: Ashesi
The marketing media's portrayal of the contemporary African woman: Impact on the youth in Ghana

In this study, the researcher examines the impact of the marketing media's sexualized representation of the contemporary African woman on African youth. Using Ghanaian youth, as representatives of the African youth, the researcher explored the youth's perceptions on how the present-day African woman is presented in most advertisements and other media; compared male and female perceptions; and extrapolated the youth's perceptions of media that employ sexualized images of females. For the purposes of the study, a qualitative exploratory phenomenological research design was used. Six Ghanaian youth of varying gender, religion, and university type served as the study participants. The results of the research study included the youth's belief that the media impact on them and society outweighed the impact of society on the media. The media capitalizes on readily available and easily accessible technology often frequented by youth such as Twitter and Instagram. The study revealed that the female youth were not impacted directly by the media's portrayal of women as sexualized images, but the males were. The media's depictions had made the males perceive the contemporary African woman as lacking depth of knowledge and self-respect. They felt that the women were contributing to the problem by accepting the contract or agreement presented to them by the marketing media. According to the youth, the marketing media and firms are concerned with profits alone. Most study participants suggested educating society on gender equality and utilizing public outcry to hold firms accountable. They also recommended mitigating such portrayals of females through policies of governmental agencies to reduce the influence of marketing media on shaping the image of the contemporary African female.

Source: Ashesi