ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Factors that Influence the Performance in General Knowledge in Art of Senior High School Students in Abura Asebu Kwamankese District in the Central Region

The study assesses the factors that influence academic performance in General Knowledge in Art among Visual Arts, General Art and Home Economics students in the Abura-Asebu Kwamankese District of Central Region, Ghana. The study adopted the descriptive method of qualitative research with interview, observation and questionnaire administration to identify the factors that influence Senior High School students‟ academic performance in General Knowledge in Art in Abura Aseibu Kwamankese District. Using the purposive and simple random sampling techniques, a sample of three schools; 128 respondents comprising 119 students and nine teachers were selected for in-depth study. Of three schools (coded A, B and C) sampled, the study found that the reasons for School A‟s success at WASSCE is as a result of the availability of teaching learning resource, high teacher competency, experienced teachers; and the attraction and admission of high performance BECE applicants into the Visual Arts and Art-related departments. Students in this well-endowed school have clear advantages over their colleagues in Schools B and C which are less endowed and therefore attract average and low performing candidates. Significantly, the performance of students in Schools B and C was found to be the same. While the personality behind the name of a school influences academic achievement of its students, the study revealed that the communities in which a school is located and educational opportunities they have also directly influence the academic performance and achievement of its students. Environmental factors, lack of studio facilities, and differences in teaching methodologies seem to have some influence on students‟ learning and performance in the final examinations. However, findings suggest that the identified differences between the schools have to be iv resolved through adequate resourcing, infrastructure, teacher competency, good BECE entry grades, experience and qualified teachers in order to address the differences and enhance academic achievement for students across the country.

Source: KNUST
Factors that lead to poor project performance: a case study of the Asutifi North District Assembly

Globally, the construction industry contributes significantly to socio-economic development of a country. However, the prevailing conditions in the Municipal and District Assemblies dissuade contractors in execution of construction projects with accessible resources. The aim of this study was to investigate the critical factors that lead to poor project performance on construction projects. The objectives were: to identify the factors that le d to poor construction project performance in the Asuti fi North District Assembly; and to identify strategies that will ensure a successful project performance. A survey were utilised to administer questionnaires to all roads and building and civil contractors in the Asutifi North District Assembly. Using the one sample t test, the results revealed that: i nadequate funds for the project; suspension of work by owner or contractor; cash problem during construction; inadequate planning of projects before commencement; client delay in payment certificates; and inadequate planning, were the highly ranked factors identified as factors that led to poor project performance. Also using the principal factor analysis, the factors that led to poor project performance were then classified as planning related factor, client related factors, technical related factor, resource related factor, cost related factor and site related factor. Effective time management practices, effective quality management practices, effective cost management, effective cost management, effective project scheduling were also identified as the effective strategies to mitigate the identified poor project performance factors. Recommendation made for further research was to ascertain the role of human resource in project performance in the Ghana Construction Industry.

Source: KNUST
Faecal indicators in drinking water in the urban area of Kumasi

Potable water should be odourless, tasteless, colourless and free from faecal pollution and chemical in harmful amounts. Without water there cannot be life on this planet. Fortunately there is plenty of water on the planet earth. Most of this water is, however, unavailable for human use due to a variety of factors including pollution. Living organisms can be used to monitor pollutants. Bacterial indicators are valuable in short term monitoring of water quality because they tend to respond quickly to environmental changes. In this survey, water samples from wells, taps, springs, streams as well as sachet water and water bagged in polythene from various suburbs in the Kumasi metropolis were tested for their levels of faecal pollution. The recorded ranges of colony forming units per 100 ml of water sample were as follows; 0 - 1 (sachet water), 0 - 28 (tap water) and 0 - 3000 (water bagged in polythene). For the untreated water sources, the Aboabo stream yielded the highest level of faecal pollution with 3.0 x i0 organisms per 100 ml. There was a dramatic rise in the level of faecal pollution of Atonsu and Anloga Wells following rainfall. A 45 and 40 fold rise were observed for Atonsu and Anloga Wells respectively. The various factors that contributed to these results include poor excreta and refuse disposal, poor state of wells, dirty water storage facilities, illegal connections and poor workmanship. To minimise the levels of faecal pollution of these supplies, therefore, particular attention must be paid to excreta and refuse disposal in the metropolis. Also wells should be properly constructed and maintained. Chlorine dosage for tap water treatment should be correctly calculated while at the same time subsequent pollution during distribution should be minimised.

Source: KNUST
Faecal sludge management: the case of Madina

This study was carried out to determine the management arrangements in place for faecal sludge at Madina in the Ga East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Five (5) main toilet technologies were identified at the household level in the town: Water Closet (WC) with septic tanks - 47%, Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines (KVIP) - 9%, Ventilated Improved Pit Latrines (VIP) - 14%, Pit Latrines - 27% and bucket/pan latrines - 3%. Results showed that 65% of the people owned and used household toilets (63.1% of these toilets were improved toilet facilities and not shared) and 23% used public toilets (shared toilet facilities) in Madina. Eleven percent (11%) of the respondents practiced open defaecation with 1% practising defaecation in polythene bags. Excreta from KVIP and WC with septic tanks were collected and sent for treatment using a waste stabilisation pond. The excreta from the bucket/pan latrines, pit latrines and VIPs were collected and transported manually and discharged untreated into open drains, in the bush or in rivers. The average household spends 8.3% of its annual income on faecal sludge management. Cost recovery mechanisms adopted by the Assembly and commercial toilet operators were user charges from public. However this was not adequate for proper operation and maintenance of the facilities. Schools could not afford the cost of operation and maintenance of their toilets. Thirty-Two percent and Sixty-Five percent of the respondents were satisfied and not satisfied respectively with the faecal sludge management arrangements in place. The major problem for effective management of faecal sludge was weak enforcement of sanitation bye-laws and regulatory framework. It is recommended that household latrines should be encouraged. Sanitation bye-laws in the community should be enforced. There should be an integrated approach of stakeholders' participation in both the planning and implementation stages of all faecal sludge management service delivery. Higher priority should be given to faecal sludge management. All public toilet operators should be trained for effective operation and maintenance of the toilets. The performance of the treatment plant should be evaluated for possible reuse and recycling of accumulated sludge.

Source: KNUST
‘Factors that influence the high rise in cost of residential buildings in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis’

This research was conducted with a population of 37 dealers in building materials, 70 contractors and 180 building owners (clients). Purposive and quantitative data gathering procedures were used. Statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), Likert and Microsoft Excel 2013 methods were used to analyze the quantitative data. The analysis of 7 factors that contribute to the high rise in cost of residential buildings in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis were revealed. The two major factors identified are, the discovery of crude oil in the Western Region of Ghana as was shown by a mean score of 4.02. The second one is, high cost of building materials accounting for increased cost of building residential houses. This is indicated by the mean score of 3.71. Out of 9 effects identified, there were two major ones. The 1st one was, a majority view (96.8%) showing that the effects of high rise in cost of residential buildings is the increase in rent. It was also found that whenever there is an increase in the prices of building materials, it indirectly affects contractual charges and the cost of seeking for accommodation. This was shown by 92.4% respondents who were in agreement. The first suggestion agreed on by the total respondents as a strategy to lower the cost of residential buildings, (87%) of the respondents were of the view that efficient utilization of logistics plays a fundamental role in reducing building cost. The second suggestion agreed on by (80.5%) of the total respondents as a strategy was good management by contractors. Also, the factors of large scale land acquisition and utilization of local building materials emerged strongly to the two phenomena. In general, the respondents alluded to the fact that the discovery of crude oil in the Western region of Ghana, increase in population, cost of lands, the rate of inflation, cost of building materials, availability of infrastructure among other factors have over the last 3-5 years contributed to the high rise in the cost of residential buildings in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

Source: KNUST
The failure of microfinance in Ghana: A Case Study of Noble Dream Microfinance Limited

Micro-Finance Institutions (MFIs) play a pivotal role in the provision of services to the financially excluded population, particularly the poor and the informal sector. In spite of the anticipated and the actual role performed by the MFIs in Ghana in poverty alleviation, the industry has recently suffered nationwide collapses of some of its once vibrant institutions. Ghana has witnessed unprecedented collapses of MFIs neccessitating this research to unravel the root causes using the defunct Noble Dream Microfinance Limited as a case study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select former management staff of the company. Questionaire and interviews were used to solicit data and anlyzed using the Statistical Package for social sciences. Diversion of funds was found the highest rated factor that caused the collapse of Noble Dream Microfinance Limited. High interest rate and overtrading were the other leading causes of the company‟s collapse. It was also discovered that the MFI does not comply with various regulatory policies in their daily operations. The study recommended thatMFIs must ensure strict compliance with regulatory requirements. The regulator, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) in Ghana‟s case, has specific requirements for the operation of banking and non banking institutions, of whch MFIs are no exception. Particular requirements such as the preparation and submission of prudential reports, keeping the required reserves, exposures and even the sectors of credit administration are all crucial in ensuring growth and sustinability of MFIs in Ghana. The BoG, when furnished with such reports, would be informed and to provide intervension mechanisms to assist MFIs deal with threats of potential collapse before escalation to levels beyond control

Source: KNUST
Faith and Culture: the Pentecost International Worship Centre and the Growth Patterns of the Church of Pentecost.

This thesis examines the causes and content of the discontent among some of the indigenous members of the CoP as a result of the introduction of the PIWCs. The thesis notes that, the Church of Pentecost begun as an indigenous church and as the church grew, there were calls for reforms by some members of the church. These members, predominantly the youth and intellectuals demanded that, reforms be made in the church’s traditions and practices to reflect modern trends in worship. The calls have not been welcomed by the older members and leaders of the church who see any reform as a deviation from cherished traditions handed down from the founding fathers of the Church of Pentecost. The thesis also explores what accounted for the many youth and intellectuals leaving the church and it reveals that leadership, content of worship and some of the traditions of the church contributed to the exodus of the youth to other churches. The emergence of the Neo-Pentecostal or Charismatic Movement on the Ghanaian scene also played a major role in the exodus. The research shows that, the PIWCs have contributed immensely to the growth of the church in the areas of finance, human resource development and more importantly, retaining a lot of youth and intellectuals in the church. Further observation by this research indicates that despite their contribution, they have not fared so well in evangelism and discipleship, social responsibility and community church planting. This thesis recommends that to reduce the discontent between the PIWCs and the local assemblies and also help the Church of Pentecost to sustain her growth, leadership training and education should be taken seriously by the church. It also recommends that, evangelism and discipleship and the language policy of the PIWCs should be reviewed. The research acknowledges that, culture is dynamic and change is also inevitable. Yet, the Church of Pentecost should tread cautiously as she introduces changes in her age old traditions and practices so that these cherished values are not sacrificed on the altar of modernity.

Source: KNUST
Familial adenomatous polyposis: a case study

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited syndrome characterized by several adenomatous polyps of the gastroin testinal (GI) mucosa. If treatment is not provided, an average individual with classic FAP will develop colorectal carcinoma around the age of 40 years. The incidence rate of FAP in developing countries like Ghana is unknown compared to advanced countries. We present the first FAP case of a 22-year-old Ghanaian female who presented with massive lower GI bleeding and underwent surgical management after a thorough investigation. The initial assumption that colonic polyps are scarce in native Africans may be more than what is perceived. This highlights the need for the availability of endoscopic services in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Families and Incarceration: A Study of the Kumasi Metropolis

Incarceration is said to be a silent killer because nobody wants to talk about it. The incarceration of a spouse or parent makes one a silent widow/widower or orphan since it is not talked about in public. The incarceration of a family member has serious repercussions and normally leads to family crises yet it is taken for granted by the society. This study generally sought to look at the conditions of the passive victims of incarceration. The design of this study was a social survey which employed an in depth interview guide for the collection of qualitative data. Twenty five (25) respondents who were spouses of incarcerated persons at the Kumasi Central Prisons and who have spent at least two (2) years as convicts in the prison were purposively selected to give varied responses on the effects of incarceration on their nuclear families. The study revealed that the incarceration of a person has rippling effects on their spouses and children. Some of the effects of incarceration on children include: trauma and psychological problems associated with the arrest, social stigma and subsequent redraw, poor school performance and high school drop-out rate, substance and alcohol abuse as well as changes in family composition and weakened parental ties. For the spouses left behind, the effects of incarceration identified include: role changes, economic hardships as well as lack of intimacy and possible divorce due to prison restrictions. The researcher recommends that the study should be replicated in other parts of the country to see the variation of the effects of incarceration in respect of rural and urban areas because of their differential social settings. It is the hope of this researcher that this valued information will guide and influence policy in relation to the incarcerated and their relatives who need to be considered in the total process of incarceration.

Source: KNUST
Family planning practices among couples of reproductive age in the Tolon/Kumbungu District, of Northern Region, Ghana

The increase in world population is the most phenomenon. Population growth has become the concern of Developed and Developing countries hence the introduction of contraceptive use as an advent of family planning. Family planning (FP) programmes are crucial and if relevant cost effective and tailor made interventions are to be implemented to control population growth, then the use of modern contraceptives cannot be over emphasized. The study sought to identify gaps or causes of low FP practices among couples of reproductive age in Tolon/Kumbungu District of the Northern Region of Ghana. The study design was cross sectional exploratory. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select (Sub-Districts, Zones, Communities, compound houses and study subjects). Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from two population samples: compound houses/household and service providers. A representative sample of 150 respondents from compound houses and 10 service providers were interviewed. Individual face-to-face interviewing was used. Findings showed that there was a high fertility preference among couples of reproductive age as 86% of couples interviewed desired to have more than 5 children in their whole life. Communication on family planning between couples was relatively low, only 35% of study participants communicated on FP. Knowledge on FP was relatively high though awareness was generally limited to only three methods; condom, injectables and pills. Condom was the widely known method. Access to family planning was not easy for couples whiles socio-cultural and religious factors accounted for low FP practice among couples. There was general approval of FP as 68% of couples did approve of FP practice. There are very few organizations and individuals implementing programmes aimed at addressing the unmet needs for family planning in the District. It is recommended that organizations like Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana extend their activities in to the District and this could improve family planning practices in the District. It is recommended also that tailor made messages for the distinct sub population be provided. Efforts should also be made to educate couples on various FP methods since awareness is limited to only three methods. Socio-cultural factors that inhibit FP practices should be discouraged and the stigmatization of contraceptives users particularly women should be discarded. Further studies should be carried out to determine FP practices among other age groups and in the big towns of the District.

Source: KNUST
Family socio-economic status as determinant of career aspirations of Senior High School (SHS) students in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Family background influence can be positive or negative on students’ future career aspirations. The study sought to examine parent’s income level as determinant of career aspirations of students, family educational level as determinant of career aspirations of students and family employment status as determinant of career aspirations of students. The study adopted cross sectional descriptive survey using a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) strategy. The population of this study comprised students in senior high schools in Upper East Region of Ghana. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected for the study using both quota sampling and purposive sampling techniques. The study found that there is significant association between students’ career aspiration and mothers’ occupation. The study found that mother’s education, income and occupation have significant association with student’s career aspirations. More so, the study found significant association between father’s income, education, occupation and students career aspirations. The study finally concluded that students’ parents’ education was a major determinant of students’ career aspiration.

Source: KNUST
Farmers response to climate variability and change in rainfed farming systems: Insight from lived experiences of farmers

Climate adaptation, while urgent, is complicated by a slew of unknowns and uncertainties through insufficient scholarship. This study addresses these slews of unknowns surrounding local adaptation to climate change and associated determinants among rainfed smallholder farmers in rural Ghana. We utilized a mixed-method approach to collect primary data from 410 households, 15 key informants and 10 focus group participants coupled with meteorological data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, Accra (GMet). Results from meteorological analysis from 1989 to 2020 and farmers’ perceptions showed a consistent pattern exemplifying a temperature rise, and a decline in rainfall pattern in the study area over the period. Rainfed smallholder farmers employed multiple coping strategies including—cognitive restructuring, resource seeking, experiential avoidance, expressive coping, capital disinvestment and relying on social networks to deal with current and future climate shocks. Also, key adaptation interventions implemented by rainfed smallholder farmers based on lived experiences include farm and crop management, soil and water conservation, conservation agricultural practices, smart-farming practices and cropping decisions, livelihood diversification and indigenous knowledge application. Market access, access to climate information/services, access to extension services, use of indigenous knowledge and practice, risk perception, and government support, livestock ownership, asset ownership, credit access, and farm insurance significantly increase rainfed smallholder farmers’ decision to cope/adapt to climate variability in rural Ghana. However, improved soil fertility and farm labour significantly influenced rainfed smallholder farmers’ adaptation response but not coping. The findings have implications for developing effective adaptation interventions to build resilient agricultural systems and sustainable livelihood in rainfed farming areas.

Source: KNUST