ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Towards A Conceptualization of Entrepreneurship

In this paper we rethink the conventional ways of explaining the change process of new company formation. We base our analysis on two well established and dominating categories of entrepreneurship models, stages inspired models and interactive contingency models, and we argue that these do not sufficiently conspire to capture the entrepreneurial start-up process as an everyday phenomenon of multi-dimensional individual, social, and environmental interaction. In an effort to address this hypothesized theoretical gap, we apply ideas origination from Symbolic Interactionism to suggest a complementary conceptual model for comprehending the entrepreneurship process as an interactive construct. From here the idea of entrepreneurship as an ongoing “Social Journey of Opportunity Construction” arises. We argue that this idea has a potential impact on the practice of research, since it encourages scholars to step out of predictable zones of positivist research and enter a riskier research zone in which it is everyday interaction that makes the entrepreneurial process emerge.

Source: UG
Towards a framework for delineating sub-districts for primary health care administration in rural Ghana: A case study using GIS

This paper examines the need to carry out primary health care administration, programming and planning beyond the established 110 districts in Ghana. The framework for delimiting the sub-districts is offered by the availability of digital data such as the district boundary, site location, road network and population. Using the specified travel distance from predetermined sites, network analysis generates approximate polygons around the health centres to create functional areas - the health sub-districts. Additional sites are proposed based on a set of criteria which includes proximity, centrality, population and existing level of infrastructural development in an attempt to improve coverage and bring the total utilization of health facilities closer to 100% in the study area.

Source: UG
Towards a Greater Understanding of the Prevalence of Immigrant Entrepreneurship in the Informal Economy of Ghana: An Institutional Theory Perspective

This study aims to explore the prevalence of immigrant entrepreneurship in Ghana's informal economy through institutional theory. Specifically, the study sought to understand how the elements of the institutional theory (norms, culture, and regulations, which form formal and informal institutions) support or discourage immigrant entrepreneurship in the Sub-Saharan African context, with insights from Ghana. It is qualitative research that involves an in-depth face-to-face interview with 30 respondents. Analyzing the data from the interviews, the key findings are immigrants' inability to find paid jobs, failure to gather sufficient funds to operate in the formal sector, and the willingness to use innate ability. The Ghanaian culture of hospitality and the government's inability to implement trade regulations have been an enabler to the prevalence of immigrant entrepreneurship in Ghana. The legal frameworks that prevent immigrants from participating in retailing, especially in the informal economy of Ghana are well known by immigrant entrepreneurs, albeit it has yet to adhere. Therefore, there is a call for policy measures to address the weak institutional framework, which encourages disregard for the country's laws. Immigrant entrepreneurs who wish to remain in business in Ghana must obey the rules or suffer the punishment thereof.

Source: UG
Towards a multi-criteria approach for priority setting: An application to ghana

BACKGROUND: Many criteria have been proposed to guide priority setting in health, but their relative importance has not yet been determined in a way that allows a rank ordering of interventions. METHODS: In an explorative study, a discrete choice experiment was carried out to determine the relative importance of different criteria in identifying priority interventions in Ghana. Thirty respondents chose between 12 pairs of scenarios that described interventions in terms of medical and non-medical criteria. Subsequently, a composite league table was constructed to rank order a set of interventions by mapping interventions on those criteria and considering the relative weights of different criteria. RESULTS: Interventions that are cost-effective, reduce poverty, target severe diseases, or target the young had a higher probability of being chosen than others. The composite league table showed that high priority interventions in Ghana are prevention of mother to child transmission in HIV/AIDS control, and treatment of pneumonia and diarrhoea in childhood. Low priority interventions are certain interventions to control blood pressure, tobacco and alcohol abuse. The composite league table lead to a different and more differentiated rank ordering of interventions compared to pure efficiency ratings. CONCLUSION: This explorative study has introduced a multi-criteria approach to priority setting. It has shown the feasibility of accounting for efficiency, equity and other societal concerns in prioritization decisions, and its potentially large impact on priority setting.

Source: UG
Towards a new emphasis on oral tradition as an information source in African libraries

Large numbers of Africans still living in rural areas are considerably influenced by oral tradition. A lot of information can therefore be obtained through this form of communication. However, this kind of material has been largely neglected by librarians in Africa. Although a few centres exist in some countries where the oral tradition is collected, organised and disseminated, a number of obstacles prevent these centres from achieving their aims. The activities of some of these centres are discussed and some of the associated problems highlighted, with proposals made for their solution. The paper concludes that librarians in Africa must place a greater emphasis on oral tradition as a supplement to documentary sources. Oral tradition is an integral part of the African's heritage and it would be criminal to let it disappear.

Source: UG
Towards a paradigm shift in social protection in developing countries? Analysing the emergence of the Ghana national unemployment insurance scheme from a multiple streams perspective

The COVID 19 pandemic continues to cause a lot of uncertainty around the world. At the onset of the pandemic, governments responded with policies and programs to curb its devastating effects on citizens, and Ghana was no exception. Although the Ghanaian government introduced various stop-gap measures to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, the inadequacies of the extant social welfare system was badly exposed. Consequently, as the pandemic seethed on, there were calls for reform of the existing social protection system and the introduction of new programs, especially for those in the informal sector. In response, the government introduced a new National Unemployment Insurance Scheme (NUIS). How did this happen? What led the government to accept tentatively the need to reform and transform the social welfare system after years of policy padding and the dragging of feet? Drawing on Kingdon’s Multiple Streams Framework, we argue that the pandemic created a policy window, which enabled policy enntrepreneurs to push the unemployment insurance idea to reform the existing social welfare system. The introduction of a NUIS, is seen as a paradigm shift in social protection and more broadly in social policy. The objective of this paper is to examine how the NUIS got on government’s agenda, and whether the NUIS is a game changer in social protection in Ghana. We sourced information mainly from secondary sources.

Source: UG
Towards a people friendly Pan-African Parliament: lessons from the European parliament

The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) is an institution of the African Union (AU) modeled after the European Union’s (EU’s) European Parliament (EP). Both were established to promote principles of democracy and to ensure the active involvement of Union citizens in the integration process. However, the approach and commitment of the AU and the EU to the full operationalization and functioning of the two differ. Using the constructivist theory, a content analysis of relevant constitutive documents of the two parliaments is done. The paper delves into the identities and interests informing the PAP’s establishment and how far it has traveled to achieve its goals. A major finding of the paper is that although on the surface, the PAP appears to take after the EP, a number of challenges hinder it from functioning optimally. The result is a lack of commitment to a redefinition and enhancement of the functions and powers of the PAP.

Source: UG
Towards a political economy of renewable energy in Ghana: A review

The MIASA Working Paper series serves to disseminate the research results of work in progress prior to publication in order to encourage the exchange of ideas and academic debate. The series aims to publish research findings from the work of the MIASA Interdisciplinary Fellow Groups (IFGs) and other MIASA fellows in an open-access manner. Inclusion of a paper in the MIASA Working Paper Series does not constitute publication and should not limit publication in any other venue. Copyright remains with the authors

Source: UG
Towards a re-interpretation of public library purpose in Africa

This paper is of the view that public library services as they are presently, in Africa, have not changed very much from the service introduced by the colonial masters at the inception of these libraries. The libraries do not suit the needs of the people as they are mostly elitist institutions serving just a minority of the people in these countries. It is the view of the writers that this colonial mentality and parochial attitude towards service should change if public libraries have to make any impact in Afiica. New and improved services such as community libraries, cultural preservation and services for the visually handicapped are recommended.

Source: UG
Towards a responsible talent management model

Purpose – This study aims to critically examine talent management practices and strategies from ethical and responsible management perspectives. Design/methodology/approach – It achieves its aim through conceptual analysis by theorising through the lenses of talent philosophies, the organisational justice theory, the stakeholder theory and extant literature. Findings – A responsible talent management construct andmode to guide the practice of talentmanagement in a socially responsible way is developed. It argues that inclusivity; corporate responsibility; and equity and equal employment opportunity are the key underlying principles of a responsible talent management system. This study further argues that responsible talent management practices promote achievement of multilevel sustainable outcomes such as decentwork, employee well-being and organisational well-being. Practical implications – Emphasising responsible management and ethical concerns in organisational talent strategies and practices is non-negotiable, given the current level of interest in sustainable work and employment and in the quest to achieve sustainable human and organisational outcomes through management and organisational practices. Originality/value – The development of a responsible talent management construct and model is original and novel and is expected to shape thinking and drive new research directions in the field of talent management. It further contributes directly to knowledge and practice by demonstrating how organisations can manage their talents in a responsible way

Source: UG
Towards a Sustainable Framework for Computer Based Health Information Systems (CHIS) for Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to argue for a theoretical framework by which development of computer based health information systems (CHIS) can be made sustainable. Health Management and promotion thrive on well-articulated CHIS. There are high levels of risk associated with the development of CHIS in the context of least developed countries (LDC), thereby making them unsustainable. Design/methodology/approach – This paper is based largely on literature survey on health promotion and information systems. Findings – The main factors accounting for the sustainability problem in less developed countries include poor infrastructure, inappropriate donor policies and strategies, poor infrastructure and inadequate human resource capacity. To counter these challenges and to ensure that CHIS deployment in LDCs is sustainable, it is proposed that the activities involved in the implementation of these systems be incorporated into organizational routines. This will ensure and secure the needed resources as well as the relevant support from all stakeholders of the system; on a continuous basis. Originality/value – This paper sets out to look at the issue of CHIS sustainability in LDCs, theoretically explains the factors that account for the sustainability problem and develops a conceptual model based on theoretical literature and existing empirical findings.

Source: UG
Towards a theoretical framework for the teaching of religion in state-funded Catholic and other confessional basic schools in Ghana

This article argues that religion is too pervasive in Ghana to be considered a 'private matter', meant for families and respective faith communities. The paper makes the submission that religion is a double-edged sword. If religion is taught from only one religious perspective with the view to proselytize without exposing students to other religious views, students can become myopic which can be an easy recipe for fanaticism. Based on these assumptions, the paper argues that state-funded Catholic and other confessional basic schools (where the future leadership of the nation is nurtured and bred and where there are other pupils from other confessions) must be engaged in the teaching of religion with the objective to promote religious understanding and tolerance. The paper presents a theoretical framework that will respond to the demands of a secularised state while at the same time respecting divergent religious traditions in a pluralistic society like Ghana. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Source: UG
Towards an Accident Free Energy Regime in Ghana.

This paper examines the legislative instruments governing the Ghanaian oil and gas industry with the view to identifying weaknesses that may compromise the health and safety standards and quality of life of the people. It reviews literature on the global and Ghana’s energy regimes within the framework of its economic benefits and the challenges posed to the environment, people, flora and fauna as a basis for analysing the current legislative and regulatory environment and the proposed future legislations. The study observed that developed economies such as the United States of America have not totally escaped the challenges of oil and gas exploitation in spite of its well established oil and gas legislative and regulatory environment. Against this backdrop, the paper reveals that Ghana’s current legislative and regulatory environment has little provision for issues of health and safety and the institutions are ill-resourced to prevent pollution. It thus made recommendations to enhance future legislations and demonstrates the importance of good legislative and regulatory environment in harnessing the benefits of oil and gas exploitation and reducing or eliminating its ills.

Source: UG
Towards an explanatory framework for national level maternal health policy agenda item evolution in Ghana: an embedded case study

Background Understanding decision-making processes that influence the fate of items on the health policy agenda at national level in low- and middle-income countries is important because of the implications for programmes and outcomes. This paper seeks to advance our understanding of these processes by asking how and why maternal health policy agenda items have fared in Ghana between 1963 and 2014. Methods The study design was a single case study of maternal health agenda evolution once on a decision pathway in Ghana, with three different agenda items as sub-units of analysis (fee exemptions for maternal health, free family planning and primary maternal health as part of a per capita provider payment system). Data analysis involved chronologically reconstructing how maternal health policy items evolved over time. Results The fate of national level maternal health policy items was heavily influenced by how stakeholders (bureaucrats, professional bodies, general public and developmental partners) exercised power to put forward and advocate for specific ideas through processes of issues framing within a changing political and socioeconomic context. The evolution and fate of an agenda item once on a decision pathway involved an iterative process of interacting drivers shaping decisions through cycles of ‘active’ and ‘static’ pathways. Items could move from ‘active’ to ‘static’ pathways, depending on changing context and actor positions. Items that pursued the ‘static’ pathway in a particular cycle fell into obscurity by a process that could be described as a form of ‘no decision made’ in that an explicit decision was not taken to drop the item, but neither was any policy content agreed. Low political interest was exhibited and attempts to bring the item back into active decision-making were made by actors mainly in the bureaucratic arena seeking and struggling (unsuccessfully) to obtain financial and institutional support. Policy items that pursued ‘active’ pathways showed opposite characteristics and generally moved beyond agenda into formulation and implementation. Conclusion Policy change requires sustaining policy agenda items into formulation and implementation. To do this, change agents need to understand and work within the relevant context, stakeholder interests, power, ideas and framing of issues.

Source: UG
Towards an Improved Pathology Service in Ghana

Pathology service in Ghana is still in its infancy due to inadequate personnel (Pathologists) and a poor perception of the role of the pathologist in health care delivery. The state of affairs in Ghana may be partly blamed on an accident of history, the anomaly resulting from which has been allowed to become the norm. In the days of the colonial administration of the Gold Coast, as a result of non-availability of forensic doctors, hospital pathologists, and in some cases other medical officers, performed medico-legal autopsies for the Coroner. The first health care laboratory in the then Gold Coast was the Accra Laboratory which was established around 1900. It subsequently, underwent improvements, including relocation in the 1920s, to the newly constructed Korle Bu Hospital. Its main function was to undertake research into tropical diseases, but it also carried out routine diagnostic laboratory work, including autopsies, both hospital and medico-legal.

Source: UG
Towards best practice in acute stroke care in Ghana: A survey of hospital services

Background: Stroke and other non-communicable diseases are important emerging public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa where stroke-related mortality and morbidity are higher compared to other parts of the world. Despite the availability of evidence-based acute stroke interventions globally, uptake in low-middle income countries (LMIC) such as Ghana is uncertain. This study aimed to identify and evaluate available acute stroke services in Ghana and the extent to which these services align with global best practice. Methods: A multi-site, hospital-based survey was conducted in 11 major referral hospitals (regional and tertiary - teaching hospitals) in Ghana from November 2015 to April 2016. Respondents included neurologists, physician specialists and medical officers (general physicians). A pre-tested, structured questionnaire was used to gather data on available hospital-based acute stroke services in the study sites, using The World Stroke Organisation Global Stroke Services Guideline as a reference for global standards. Results: Availability of evidence-based services for acute stroke care in the study hospitals were varied and limited. The results showed one tertiary-teaching hospital had a stroke unit. However, thrombolytic therapy (thrombolysis) using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke care was not available in any of the study hospitals. Aspirin therapy was administered in all the 11 study hospitals. Although eight study sites reported having a brain computed tomographic (CT) scan, only 7 (63.6%) were functional at the time of the study. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan) services were also limited to only 4 (36.4%) hospitals (only functional in three). Acute stroke care by specialists, especially neurologists, was found in 36.4% (4) of the study hospitals whilst none of the study hospitals had an occupational or a speech pathologist to support in the provision of acute stroke care. Conclusion: This study confirms previous reports of limited and variable provision of evidence based stroke services and the low priority for stroke care in resource poor settings. Health policy initiatives to enhance uptake of evidence-based acute stroke services is required to reduce stroke-related mortality and morbidity in countries such as Ghana.

Source: UG
Towards host-directed therapies for tuberculosis

The Bacteriology Department aims to improve the quality of life first for Ghanaians and the world at large by conducting research into bacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana and globally. In addition to working on enteric pathogens and sexually transmitted diseases, the department’s current main focus is on the two most important mycobacterial diseases of public health importance to Ghana, namely Buruli ulcer (BU) and tuberculosis (TB).

Source: UG
Towards improving control of zoonoses in West Africa

The Department of Immunology conducts research in the field of immunology of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The Department has the overall goal of contributing knowledge to better diagnosis, management, control and prevention of infectious and non-infectious diseases in Ghana and worldwide. This is consistent with the overall strategy of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and in line with the strategy of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana.

Source: UG
towards improving the utilisation of counselling centre services by Ghanaian university students: an exploratory study

This study sought to explore university students’ expectations from on-campus counselling centres in order to improve service utilisation . A total of 72 Ghanaian students attending a public university in Accra (64% females; 85% undergraduate; 90% in the 18–35 age range) provided written responses of their expectations from their counselling centre . Thematic analyses yielded two essential counselling centre needs: Enhanced counselling centre functions and the elimination of systems barriers . For enhanced counselling centre functions, students reported needing traditional and non-traditional services, as well as advocacy efforts on their behalf . Systems barriers students wanted eliminated were stigma, low awareness and inaccessibility . These findings indicate a need for a holistic approach to service delivery, and elimination of services-seeking barriers to improve counselling centre service utilisation at Ghanaian universities.

Source: UG