ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The cultural policies of Ghana and Nigeria: A Comparative Study.

This research is based on a comparative study of the cultural policies of Ghana and Nigeria and how they are in place to project national culture, pride, solidarity and consciousness. Several countries around the world have the cultural policy document, which is used to accelerate their cultural development. As a comparative study, the research aims at discovering the differences and similarities in the cultural policies of Ghana and Nigeria. Based on the objectives of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to integrate the West African region, the study looks at how Ghana and Nigeria have provided policies to protect their cultural heritage. It further provides information about the strengths and weaknesses in the cultural policies of both countries, which is a giant step towards fostering unity between them. As a result, it can help them improve on their cultural policy document if their strengths as well as weaknesses are exposed to them. Furthermore, having established that Ghana and Nigeria have policies in place to preserve and protect their culture, a comparative analysis of two ethnic groups, the Asantes of Ghana and the Ijaws in the Niger Delta of Nigeria has been made. The historical, religious, educational, economical, social and political aspects of their culture were analyzed. The objective was to have a critical appraisal and appreciation of the two cultures. The qualitative research method was used, which involved a couple of visits to various places in and around Kumasi in Ghana and in the Niger Delta in Nigeria. Interviews were carried out with custodians of culture and in-depth observation of cultural activities was made. This resulted in the use of the descriptive method of research for the thesis. It is specifically recommended that in order to foster unity, cooperation and peace in the West African sub-region, there should be cultural activities amongst people of the West African member States. Culture should project the people of the West African region and their values.

Source: KNUST
Current meningitis outbreak in Ghana: Historical perspectives and the importance of diagnostics

Bacterial meningitis continues to be one of the most dreaded infections in sub-Saharan Africa and other countries that fall in the “meningitis belt” due to recurrent nature of the infection and the sequel of deliberating effects among survivors even after treatment. Ghana has had recurrent epidemics in the past but has been free from high mortality levels. Whereas reasons for the low reported number of deaths in the past are unclear, we hypothesize that it may be due to increased vaccination from expanded program on immunization (EPI) and consequent herd immunity of the general population. As at the end of February, 2016, 100 individuals were reported to have died out of 500 recorded cases. The infection may cause severe brain damage and kills at least 1 out of 10 individuals if quick interventions are not provided. The Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), together with other local and international stakeholders are working intensely to control the spread of the infection in affected communities with treatment and other health management programmes. This review presents a quick overview of meningitis in Ghana with emphasis on S. pneumoniae (responsible for about 70% of cases in the recent epidemic)together with some recommendations aimed at ensuring a “meningitis-free Ghana”.

Source: KNUST
Current retrieval and inter-comparisons results of Sciamachy Nighttime Nox

Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Chartography (SCIAMACHY) performs lunar occultation measurements over the high southern latitude (50o S–90o S). Using the global spectra fitting method by the differential optical depth approach and the optimal estimation method, vertical profiles of nighttime NOx (NO2 and NO3) are retrieved. The quality of the retrieved NOx products are verified by comparing SCIAMACHY nighttime NO2 result with other satellite instruments (HALOE and SAGE II) and NO3 results with a simple chemical model outputs. Very promising results are obtained. The relative mean differences (rmd) of SCIAMACHY-HALOE comparisons are within -16 % to +3 % and the standard deviations (rms) within 4–16 % between 25–38 km. The rmd and rms for SCIAMACHYSAGE II comparisons are within -9 % to +7 % and 10– 17 % between 22–39 km. The retrieved NO3 are in very good agreement with the model calculations between 16 to 38 km within accuracy of 25 %.

Source: KNUST
Cultural Symbolism in Asante Traditional Textiles

Cultural symbolism as an art form is never static but ever changing and these changes are influenced by several factors including literary education, religion and globalization. The extent of these influences in Asante traditional textiles cannot be measured easily. This thesis therefore critically examined the past and current knowledge including substantive findings as well as theoretical and methodological contributions to the topic. Methodological approach adopted looked at cultural differences that pertains in other countries on cultural symbolism in traditional textiles. This provided a solid background for further investigation. The significance on Cultural symbolism in Asante traditional textiles in the society were also discussed. Qualitative research method was employed to examine the economic, political, religious and social functions of symbolism in Asante traditional textiles. It further evaluated the current state of traditional textile symbols in relation to Asante culture. The researcher has recorded, described, analyzed and interpreted findings from the research. It was observed that cultural symbolism in Asante traditional textiles has played and continues to play a significant role in the maintenance and promotion of Asante culture. This role is economically significant in nation building. However, some obstacles such as the state of the textile profession, capital and education were realized. Suggestions for solving these problems have been provided but a thrust by the traditional textile producers themselves is inevitable not only to help improve the living standards of the craftsmen but also to make the profession more attractive while further promoting the Asante culture.

Source: KNUST
A Cursory Survey of University of Science and Technology Library

Fundamentally universities everywhere exist to produce high level manpower. Therefore they substantially contribute to the advancement of the educational, social, political, economic and technological development of their respective countries. But universities in Ghana, like others elsewhere cannot achieve these noble objectives of teaching, learning and research coupled with publishing to disseminate their findings to be applied for national development without adequate funding, the support of well equipped laboratories, comprehensive library collections, physical facilities including the buildings and competent librarians in reasonable numbers, to organise these resources to support the universities programmes. The Kumasi University of Science and Technology, established with the main aim of producing professionals like engineers, architects, artist, planners, agriculturalists, etc. now produces medical officers and in addition, has since its inception in October, 1950 produced such professionals and eminent scientist and scholars some of whom are serving on its faculties with others teaching in foreign universities. But undoubtedly it cannot function effectively with the most competent faculty the world has ever produced without good library resources, facilities and services to support its instructional programmes. The Main Library of U.S.T. which was started in 1952 is a three-story building with an appendage. It houses the graphic and other informative resources on science, technology and related areas, Agriculture, Social Sciences and Humanities. This investigation on the U.S.T. library was undertaken as a first year Book Industry Project. The aim of the study was to examine the library to see the underlying factors which have accounted for its present state. This examination was therefore done with regard to the library’s administrative organisation, finance, personnel, physical facilities and the collections. The methods and procedures used for the collection of data included literature searching, documentary analysis, interviews and observation. We however express our sincere gratitude to the Librarian, his Deputy and all the sectional heads of the library for their cooperation, interest and concern for the succes.ful completion of this study.

Source: KNUST
Customer Relationship Management Practices in the Ghanaian courier industry: A Case Study of Fedex Ghana Ltd.

Marketing is one of the most dynamic fields in the management arena. The competitive nature in the business world continues to throw more challenges which firms must respond. That is why marketing ideas and trends keep surfacing to meet the numerous market challenges. One of such emphasis is relationship marketing. Relationship marketing is the process of creating, maintaining and enhancing strong value laden relationship with customers and other stakeholders. The main objective of the study is to determine how FedEx Ghana can attract, retain, enhance and develop a long-term customer relationship for a profitable industry. The study made use of both primary and secondary data. A sample size of one hundred (100), made up of twenty (20) staff of FedEx Ghana and eighty (80) customers were used for the study. The study pointed out that, the importance of relationship marketing in the courier industry cannot be overlooked in its role for customer loyalty. Also the study showed that the current wave of competition that has swept through the industry in Ghana has brought about a lot of pressure on staff to retain customers. The study indicates that, client rated the level of customer satisfaction as satisfactory; however, there is room for improvement. In view of the findings of the research, the following recommendations are made in order to sustain efficient customer relationship management at FedEx Ghana; employee empowerment, quality customer service marketing research and customer data base.

Source: KNUST
Customary land tenure practices and land markets in Ghana: a case study of Odupong Ofaakor

The significance of land to the sustenance of livelihoods is undisputable. Using a Survey and Case Study research design, simple random sampling, questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation as the field instruments, the dynamics of the customary land tenure practices in the Odupong Ofaakor area and their challenges and implications for the land market were studied. It was revealed that Nai Odupong acquired the allodial interest in the land in the 18th century through discovery and settlement thereon. The paramount chief of Odupong Ofaakor currently owns the allodial interest in the land while members of the community, as well as strangers, hold various derivative rights. The land market in the area was very chaotic where almost all members of the royal family allocate land. The activities of unqualified surveyors and the non-availability of planning schemes have resulted in cases of multiple sales of land, encroachment and disputes. Land registration and the acquisition of permits before building was not their priority. Rapid urbanization and the pressure on land in the area have resulted in the non-availability of agricultural land which used to be cultivated to sustain livelihoods in the area. Farmers in turn go to other neighbouring communities to acquire land for farming while the youth learn trades like masonry and plumbing to support the booming construction industry in the area. Most women on the other hand engage in trading activities at the Kasoa market. A lot more people in the area have also been deprived of their livelihood creating dire economic consequences for the poor. It was recommended that pragmatic measures must be put in place to resolve the challenges facing the land tenure system in the area. Alternative livelihoods like the establishment of factories to process agricultural produce must therefore be provided to employ the people in the area. The allocation of land must be streamlined. In so doing, the Customary Land Secretariat (CLS) must be equipped to handle all land allocations. The customary land rights in the area must be codified and the Town and Country Planning Department must be empowered to enforce planning decisions. The land registration regime currently operational must be overhauled to ensure timely service delivery just as dispute adjudication procedures are enhanced. Alternative Dispute Resolution must be encouraged in this regard. Above all, there should be more educational campaigns to inform the people on new development in the area.

Source: KNUST
Customer evaluation of service quality in banking: The case of customers in the Techiman Municipality

The Ghanaian banking industry has witnessed an unprecedented growth in the number of players and as such has become keenly competitive. Competition is believed to be a panacea to improved and quality service offering. This however does not work in a vacuum, it requires the ability of banks to determine and satisfy the ever-changing needs of the customer which continually get sophisticated due to global trends. Banks understanding this resort to the introduction of customer friendly products, technologically driven innovations and the adaptation of persuasive marketing communication tools to promote and position their services as being quality. The customer however remains paramount in every effort and their views count the most. This informed the study to identify how they evaluate the service quality of banks using the case of customers in Techiman- a commercial town in Ghana that has witnessed an influx of banks in recent time due to its commercial nature. A cross-sectional exploratory approach was adopted and involved the administering of 500 questionnaires to customers of the banks understudied, recording a response rate of 87.2%. Questionnaires were pre-tested and administered with the help of field workers using the non-probability sampling procedure, adopting the purposive technique in selecting respondents. The technique offered the opportunity to select persons who seemed willing to participate in the research and understood its purpose. In line with its objectives, the study identified how customers evaluate the quality of services rendered by banks in Techiman. An overall SERVQUAL score of -0.458 was recorded, indicating low service quality levels by banks in Techiman. Prudential Bank realized the highest gap score amongst major dimensions followed by ADB. It’s recommend that management of the banks identify and close the service delivery gaps to ensure customer perception matched or exceeded expectations.

Source: KNUST
The Current Scope Management Practices in Construction Projects among Public Sector Institutions in Ghana, A Case of Knust, Kumasi

In recent years, ‘public sector project management’ has attracted much attention in the literature. However, effective project scope management is the most important factor that affects project success or failure. The aim is to assess the current SMP in construction projects among public institutions in Ghana. A descriptive case study design using qualitative research tool and interview questions was used. It was conducted over a period of one week, from 5th September, 2019 to 10th September, 2019. Purposive sampling technique was employed in the selection of participant. The study was conducted among principal officers in the Development office of KNUST. A total of 5 participant responded to the interview with response rate 100%. The study’s findings indicate that collect requirements, define scope, work breakdown structure, validate scope and control scope were the current scope management practices employed among construction project in KNUST. Also, the interviewees indicated that the application of the mentioned scope management practices employed are well practiced and very significant in construction projects. Moreover, the interviewees reverberate competitive advantage, complex activity list, complex project scope statement, limited resources, fast-tracking, project delays, client’s demand, dynamism of technology, cost overrun, time overrun and unavailability of funds as factors affecting choice of scope management. Interestingly, the participants were quite uniform in their assessment of the impacts of scope management practice can have on a project that is improve performance, enhance project failure or success. The study found that, barriers that affect successful application of scope management practice were lack of professional training or expertise, lack of PM knowledge and bribery and corruption. The study recommends further research into the factors that influence the choice of individual scope management practice among construction projects in public institution.

Source: KNUST
Customer perception about corporate social responsibility in the Telecommunication Industry

In a highly competitive global market, mobile telecommunication companies must strive to present an image of themselves as companies that are very responsible socially. Active participation in socially beneficial programs provides extra advantages to the company. The research explores the perception of customers on the various Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities of firms in the mobile telecommunication industry. Drawing on Carroll’s pyramid, various dimensions of CSR activities are investigated. The importance placed by consumers is evaluated on the four responsibilities of firms – economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic. Based on primary data collected via a self‐administered survey in Kumasi evidence is provided to show the perception of customers in the telecommunication industry. Findings from the study showed that according to the index, the highest rated activity was the offering of quality products and least rated activity was the reasonable return on investment. The study found out that according to customers, mobile telephone networks do not engage a lot in philanthropic activities such as response to natural disasters and community involvement. Philanthropic activities were averagely rated as the least activity engaged in by the companies. The study showed that the most important CSR activity was the offering of quality products; the next important activity was the issue of offering quality services. The least important activity was not engaging in corrupt activities. The study showed that the most important activity perceived by the customers was engaging in CSR economic activities. From the research findings it is recommended that mobile telecommunication companies should focus more on offering quality products and services to their customers.

Source: KNUST
Customer motivation for choosing a particular channel for a product: a study of customers of Nestle Ghana Limited.

The use of multi-channels is increasingly becoming an integral operational strategy of many firms. This development has not only been borne by the need to ensure easy accessibility of products, but also due to the existence of differences in the behavior of consumers. This study was generally undertaken to examine customers’ motivations for choosing a particular channel in purchasing a product drawing on the case study of Nestle Ghana Limited. Specific objectives were the determination of the forms of marketing channels employed by the firm, factors customers consider in choosing a channel, the differences in channel choice among different customers, and the characteristics of customers identified with a specific channel. Data was generated from a sample of 50 customers of the said company using simple random sampling. The research design adopted was the qualitative research design. Specifically, interviews were used to generate data which served as core inputs for the study. Data was analyzed by thematic narration of the interview data. The outcome of the study suggests that the Nestle Ghana employs the wholesale, retail, specialized distributors, and direct sales channels. The factors customers consider, generally in selecting a channel are channel attributes comprising price, convenience, quality, and risk. Related factors were also found as channels which provide avenues for socialization, entertainment and attention to specialized retail brands. Additionally, the study found that direct channel users are very responsive to the price associated with a channel and generally do not prioritize such issues as socialization and entertainment. Indirect channel users are price sensitive, value entertainment and socialization, and pay attention to specialized retail brands. The study provides recommendations for practice, From the marketing perspective, the findings of the study demonstrate the need for setting up specialized retail brand shops, increased products availability at supermarkets and related shops, increased product information, and improved channel accessibility.

Source: KNUST
Customer Perception and Acceptability on the Use of Prepaid Metering System in Accra West Region of Electricity Company of Ghana

The study examined customers’ perception and acceptability on the use of Prepaid Meter in Accra West Region of ECG. The main aim of this study was to improve customer acceptability by determining the level of acceptability of Prepaid Meters, analyse the factors customers considers before accepting the use of Prepaid Meters, and determine management strategy in promoting prepaid usage. Research design adopted for the study was the descriptive method. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used with questionnaire as the main instrument for collecting primary data on customer acceptability, factors customers perceive before accepting the use of prepaid meters. The stratified sampling method was used to categorise customers into the type of tariff whether domestic or commercial. A total sample size of 391 were drawn out of 18,000 customers in a district. One of the major findings of the study is that customers consider a number of factors before accepting the prepaid meter for use and these include user friendliness of the prepaid meter, durability of the prepaid meter and access to prepaid meter vending points. It is therefore being recommended that management should consider improving durability and access to prepaid meter vending points in order to improve customer acceptability on the use of prepaid meters.

Source: KNUST