ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Prolonging the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks: A Review of Current Techniques

There has been an increase in research interest in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) as a result of the potential for their widespread use in many different areas like home automation, security, environmental monitoring, and many more. Despite the successes gained, the widespread adoption of WSNs particularly in remote and inaccessible places where their use is most beneficial is hampered by the major challenge of limited energy, being in most instances battery powered. To prolong the lifetime for these energy hungry sensor nodes, energy management schemes have been proposed in the literature to keep the sensor nodes alive making the network more operational and efficient. Currently, emphasis has been placed on energy harvesting, energy transfer, and energy conservation methods as the primary means of maintaining the network lifetime. These energy management techniques are designed to balance the energy in the overall network. The current review presents the state of the art in the energy management schemes, the remaining challenges, and the open issues for future research work.

Source: UG
The promise and pitfalls of mass drug administration to control intestinal helminth infections

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG
Promoting a geography of opportunity in Accra, Ghana: Applying lessons from mixed-income development successes and shortcomings

Urban poverty in both the developed and developing world is often spatially organized with deprivation highly concentrated in segregated areas of cities. With the rapid urbanization and lack of effective urban planning in several countries in sub-Saharan Africa, segregation, economic deprivation and social exclusion are particularly severe challenges. In the United States, almost 30 years of poverty deconcentration policy has had mixed results and offers cautions to other countries looking to confront urban segregation. Accra, the capital city of Ghana, offers an intriguing example of a city with substantial clusters of poverty and slum areas, but also some neighborhoods with high existing levels of economic integration. Drawing on the theoretical and empirical context of poverty deconcentration efforts in the United States, this paper presents a conceptual framework with two alternative pathways for urban development: an inclusionary pathway and an exclusionary pathway. We use this framework to review and critique Ghana’s existing urban policy and offer implications for inclusionary urban policy in Accra and other similar cities in developing countries.

Source: UG
Promoting Autonomy in EFL Learning in Tertiary Education in Oman by Fostering a Reading Culture

This chapter discusses the weaknesses in learner autonomy among successive cohorts of students admitted to the premier university of Oman due to a common inability to read independently in English. It traces the problem to the existence of a sub-culture of indifference to English as a world language, an endemic lack of a reading culture and a traditionally unreceptive general environment. The solution is for the national authorities to make a concerted effort to reform the educational culture, to establish public libraries for all communities, and mount campaigns to promote a national reading culture. If there is no determined will at the national level, then Sultan Qaboos University can take its own remedial measures through the creation of a reading-biased independent learning centre. School curricula and EFL courses can also be adapted to make room for employing reading-enhancing strategies by EFL teachers.

Source: UG
Promoting Cassava as an Industrial Crop in Ghana: Effects on Soil Fertility and Farming SystemSustainability

Cassava is an important starchy staple crop in Ghana with per capita consumption of 152.9 kg/year. Besides being a staple food crop, cassava can be used as raw material for the production of industrial starch and ethanol. The potential of cassava as an industrial commercial crop has not been exploited to a large extent because of perceptions that cassava depletes soils. Recent finding from field studies in the forest/savannah transitional agroecological zone of Ghana indicates that when integrated in the cropping system as a form of rotation, cassava contributes significantly to maintenance of soil fertility, and thus large scale production of cassava for industrial use can contribute to poverty reduction in an environmentally responsive way. This paper discusses the role of cassava cultivation in soil fertility management and its implication for farming system sustainability and industrialization.

Source: UG
Promoting Citizenship among women in Ghana: The role of non-governmental

In view of the call and effort of international organizations and development practitioners to promote citizenship among women, the NGO community in Ghana has taken up the challenge to promote this cause. It is against this background that this paper sought to assess the efforts of some of these NGOs to find out how they are working to enhance women’s citizenship in the country. From the discussion it was concluded that the NGOs have made a lot of progress in promoting citizenship among women in Ghana. In spite of emergent challenges, their efforts have brought to fore the issues of women’s citizenship and how it could be addressed; the public platform for promoting women’s citizenship has been widely set up; women’s participation in all levels of governance has been improved; institutions have been set up and equipped to serve as watch dogs for women’s citizenship issues at the national and grassroots level; and women’s education are being promoted based on the recognition that among others education is the tool for women’s empowerment. There is no doubt that if these efforts are intensified, more could be achieved for the enhancement of women’s citizenship in Ghana.

Source: UG
Promoting critical thinking in student teaching practice

MOSt colleges of education try to produce graduates who think critically and can make effective and timely decisions, using sound reason, adequate evidence, and articulated values (Kurfiss, 1988). According to Bowen (1977), most colleges and universities have identified critical thinking as a major component of professional education. Bowen defines critical thinking as the ability to:(l) think logically on the basis of useful assumptions;(2) be objective;(3) weigh evidence, evaluate events and ideas critically;(4) think independently; and (5) analyze and synthesize information (Bowen, 1977). Critical thinking is an essential part of professional preparation and, in the context of this article, is paramount in student teaching practice. Professional preparation goals often include the development of student teachers' critical thinking abilities, possibly to reflect a faculty consensus that helping student teachers to think critically …

Source: UG
Promoting development of entrepreneurial skills of youth in Ghana through a structured sport intervention program

Introduction: The purpose of this brief report is to describe how a structured sport based positive life skills program can be used in promoting the development of entrepreneurial skills of youth in Ghana. Methods: A total of 29 youth participated in the study with 11 as the control group and the remaining 18 as the intervention group. The students in the intervention together with 5 parents participated in a weekend mapping camp. Data for the study was collected with the Youth Experience Survey for Sport to measure the Life skills and entrepreneurship skills using a quasi experimental pre and post test control group design. Results: The youth in the intervention group reported important physical and personal benefits and entrepreneurial skills such as cooperation (teamwork), risk taking, creativity, leadership, cognitive development, and positive engagement in physical activity which they did not previously have. The results are similar to existing published papers giving this report a commendable validity and reliability. Discussion: Similar to the previously published papers, the perceived gains in this report also show that exposing youth to a structured sport-based positive life skills program produce both physical benefits and development of lifelong skills necessary to develop skills necessary for entrepreneurial endeavors. When this intervention is upscaled in Ghana the country could offset high youth unemployment with its associated challenges.

Source: UG
Promoting effective teaching and learning in adult education: a model-based approach

This paper presents a model for promoting effective teaching and learning in adult education. The model, a combination of both teacher-centered and learner-centered approaches to teaching, is premised on the belief that adult learners are different in many respects from young learners. As such, the approaches, methods, and techniques employed in the teaching and learning encounter should differ significantly from those that have traditionally been used for young learners. The model gives a prescription of how the various aspects of the teaching and learning encounter should be undertaken. The thesis of this paper is that effective teaching and learning in adult education is a dialogic process where both the teacher and learners are equally involved in a series of decision-making and activities geared towards helping the latter to construct meaning for themselves.

Source: UG
Promoting Gender Equality in Ghana: Sociocultural Factors in Perspective

Despite many efforts in promoting gender equality, the issue has not become obsolete. Gender inequality with respect to education continues to exist as it finds its expression in socio-cultural factors. This paper explores sociocultural factors that contribute to gender disparity with respect to education. Using semi-structured interviews, the study explores the views of university faculty members regarding sociocultural factors that affect gender educational inequality and solicit their views on interventions being implemented to promote gender equality. The findings of the study show that gendered division of labour is the predominant socio-cultural practice that promotes gender inequality with respect to education and must be reviewed using advocacy and community engagement. The authors therefore argue that unless these socio-cultural practices hegemonized in African society is done away with, gender inequality with respect to education will never become obsolete. There is therefore the need to create awareness and sensitization of the negative effects of socio-cultural practices using African indigenous knowledge and education to promote self-emancipation of females, and an agenda for education and development.

Source: UG
Promoting Gender Equality in Ghana: Sociocultural Factors in Perspective

Despite many efforts in promoting gender equality, the issue has not become obsolete. Gender inequality with respect to education continues to exist as it finds its expression in socio-cultural factors. This paper explores sociocultural factors that contribute to gender disparity with respect to education. Using semi-structured interviews, the study explores the views of university faculty members regarding sociocultural factors that affect gender educational inequality and solicit their views on interventions being implemented to promote gender equality. The findings of the study show that gendered division of labour is the predominant socio-cultural practice that promotes gender inequality with respect to education and must be reviewed using advocacy and community engagement. The authors therefore argue that unless these socio-cultural practices hegemonized in African society is done away with, gender inequality with respect to education will never become obsolete. There is therefore the need to create awareness and sensitization of the negative effects of socio-cultural practices using African indigenous knowledge and education to promote self emancipation of females, and an agenda for education and development

Source: UG
Promoting Ghanaian Diaspora Participation In Homeland Development: A Case Study On The Year Of Return Program

In 2018 the government of Ghana launched the “Year of Return” with the aim of attracting Ghanaian diaspora to come home in 2019 and to contribute to the development of the country. Since the end of its implementation, no empirical assessment has been conducted, making one wonder whether the programme has been effective in mobilizing the diaspora to improve on the level of development in Ghana. Hence, this study examined how the year of return programme has promoted the diasporas’ participation in homeland development. The study employed the qualitative research approach and gathered semistructured interview data from government institutions with oversight over the implementation of the ‘Year of Return’ initiative. The respondents were selected using the purposive sampling method based on their in-depth knowledge of diaspora policy issues and the ‘Year of Return’ programme. The study found that the ‘Year of Return’ programme has contributed diversely towards facilitating the socio-economic development of the Ghanaian economy by enhancing human capital development and economic activities in the country. However, the implementation of the programme was faced with multiple problems including inadequate planning and poor coordination, poor infrastructural development, and limited budgetary allocations. Besides, it revealed that the strategies being used to sustain the returns include the “Beyond the Return initiative”, establishment of ‘Sankofa account’ for diaspora contributions, and granting of citizenship status. The study recommended that there should be proper coordination between relevant government agencies, and future diaspora engagement programmes should be carefully planned with clear targets. Secondly, there should be a celebration of diaspora returns as annual festival, implement favourable tax policies and diaspora integration initiatives to promote more participation of the diaspora in the development of the Ghanaian economy. Finally, government should provide adequate financial support to the organizing agencies as well as commit more resources to ensure existence of basic social amenities necessary to attract more future returns

Source: UG
Promoting Ghanaian Diaspora Participation In Homeland Development: A Case Study On The Year Of Return Program

In 2018 The Government Of Ghana Launched The “Year Of Return” With The Aim Of Attracting Ghanaian Diaspora To Come Home In 2019 And To Contribute To The Development Of The Country. Since The End Of Its Implementation, No Empirical Assessment Has Been Conducted, Making One Wonder Whether The Programme Has Been Effective In Mobilizing The Diaspora To Improve On The Level Of Development In Ghana. Hence, This Study Examined How The Year Of Return Programme Has Promoted The Diasporas’ Participation In Homeland Development. The Study Employed The Qualitative Research Approach And Gathered Semistructured Interview Data From Government Institutions With Oversight Over The Implementation Of The ‘Year Of Return’ Initiative. The Respondents Were Selected Using The Purposive Sampling Method Based On Their In-Depth Knowledge Of Diaspora Policy Issues And The ‘Year Of Return’ Programme. The Study Found That The ‘Year Of Return’ Programme Has Contributed Diversely Towards Facilitating The Socio-Economic Development Of The Ghanaian Economy By Enhancing Human Capital Development And Economic Activities In The Country. However, The Implementation Of The Programme Was Faced With Multiple Problems Including Inadequate Planning And Poor Coordination, Poor Infrastructural Development, And Limited Budgetary Allocations. Besides, It Revealed That The Strategies Being Used To Sustain The Returns Include The “Beyond The Return Initiative”, Establishment Of ‘Sankofa Account’ For Diaspora Contributions, And Granting Of Citizenship Status. The Study Recommended That There Should Be Proper Coordination Between Relevant Government Agencies, And Future Diaspora Engagement Programmes Should Be Carefully Planned With Clear Targets. Secondly, There Should Be A Celebration Of Diaspora Returns As Annual Festival, Implement Favourable Tax Policies And Diaspora Integration Initiatives To Promote More Participation Of The Diaspora In The Development Of The Ghanaian Economy. Finally, Government Should Provide Adequate Financial Support To The Organizing Agencies As Well As Commit More Resources To Ensure Existence Of Basic Social Amenities Necessary To Attract More Future Returns.

Source: UG
Promoting Inclusive Education in Ghana

Inclusive education is critical for national building. The government of Ghana has put in measures for promoting inclusion from basic through to tertiary level of education. Some of these measures include expansion of school facilities, implementation of the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE); the change of policy on girls who drop out of school due to pregnancy for them to return and the school feeding programme for promoting retention in school. These efforts have yielded some results such as increase in enrollment at all levels of education. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, this paper discusses the measures for promoting inclusive education in Ghana, issues emerging and strategies for improvement.

Source: UG
Promoting maternal mental health in Ghana: An examination of the involvement and professional development needs of nurses and midwives

Insight into the involvement and professional development needs (PDNs) of non-mental health nurses and midwives with respect to promoting maternal mental health is necessary to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare delivery. Using a cross-sectional survey and self-report methodology, the study investigates the involvement, PDNs, knowledge and attitudes of 309 nurses and midwives in promoting maternal mental health in Ghana. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, namely Analysis of Variance, bivariate and logistic regression, and cluster analysis. The results showed that the majority of the participants (94%) indicated they were involved in promoting maternal mental health. Knowledge about maternal mental health correlated significantly with involvement in promoting maternal mental health (p < .05), whereas at titude towards maternal mental health did not. An overwhelming proportion of the participants (83%–94%) expressed profound interest in professional development education across a range of maternal mental health areas. Enhancing the mental health knowledge-base of nurses and midwives could contribute significantly to promoting maternal mental health.

Source: UG
Promoting maternal mental health in Ghana: An examination of the involvement and professional development needs of nurses and midwives

Insight into the involvement and professional development needs (PDNs) of non-mental health nurses and midwives with respect to promoting maternal mental health is necessary to integrate mental health services into primary healthcare delivery. Using a cross-sectional survey and self-report methodology, the study investigates the involvement, PDNs, knowledge and attitudes of 309 nurses and midwives in promoting maternal mental health in Ghana. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, namely Analysis of Variance, bivariate and logistic regression, and cluster analysis. The results showed that the majority of the participants (94%) indicated they were involved in promoting maternal mental health. Knowledge about maternal mental health correlated significantly with involvement in promoting maternal mental health (p < .05), whereas attitude towards maternal mental health did not. An overwhelming proportion of the participants (83%–94%) expressed profound interest in professional development education across a range of maternal mental health areas. Enhancing the mental health knowledge-base of nurses and midwives could contribute significantly to promoting maternal mental health.

Source: UG
Promoting Partnership with Traditional Authorities in the Identification and Development of Cultural Heritage: An Asanteman-World Bank Initiative

This paper discusses the identification and documentation of Asante heritage assets in an initiative between the World Bank and the Asanteman Council, the traditional governing authority of the Asante people of Ghana. The paper develops a documentation model based on recommended international standards for safeguarding this patrimony. The authors make proposals for engaging and strengthening traditional authorities and other stakeholders in the documentation, valuation, and preservation of Asante heritage. In addition, they make recommendations for the creation of appropriate institutions and strategies to use these assets for wealth creation and development and its replication elsewhere.

Source: UG
Promoting Peace and Managing Farmer-Herder Conflict: The Role of Civil Society Organizations in Agogo, Ghana

Continued clashes between nomadic pastoralists and farmers generate concerns about the capacity of community-based civil society organizations to effectively navigate conflict resolution in Agogo Traditional Area (ATA), Ghana. The Agogo and Fulani associations ostensibly manage farmer-herder conflict but with mixed results. Setrana argues that, unlike foreign or international civil society organizations, community-based associations play important roles in managing conflict because they often have better cultural understanding. The success of such organizations, however, depends on whether they are perceived as indigenous or non-indigenous. This binary framework often leads to a winner-takes-all attitude and rarely results in sustainable conflict resolution.

Source: UG
Promoting Public Sector Accountability in Ghana: The Role of Stakeholders.

For over twenty-four (24) months, the Commission on Judgment Debts and Akin Matters has interacted with a cross-section of the Ghanaian public, made up mostly of public officials, on the issue of court cases mounted against the State and several of its institutions for the past twenty-three years leading to huge judgment debts against the people of Ghana. One of the major issues that came to the fore was Probity and Accountability on the part of public officials in the performance of their official duties for which they are paid from the tax-payers' money. The fact, however, is that one cannot talk about 'Accountability' without the idea of 'Corruption' rearing its ugly head, as the absence of the former nurtures the latter. This paper therefore examines the issue of probity and accountability by critically analysing the position of the law and the reality in the Ghanaian system.

Source: UG