ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring the psychosocial challenges experienced by teenage student mothers in senior high schools in Asene Manso Akroso district

This study was conducted to explore the psychosocial challenges experienced by teenage student mothers in senior high schools in Asene Manso Akroso District, Ghana. The objectives of the study were: to identify the psychosocial challenges faced by teenage student mothers in senior high schools in the Asene Manso Akroso District; indicate the effects of psychosocial challenges faced by these teenage student mothers and to identify strategies that teenage student mothers in senior high schools in Asene Manso Akroso District employ to manage their psychosocial challenges they face. The qualitative research approach was employed to understand and explore the psychosocial challenges experienced by teenage student mothers in senior high schools in Asene Manso Akroso District. A sample of twelve teenage student mothers were selected from a population of fifty-five teenage student mothers from the two senior high schools in the district. The simple random sampling method was used to select the sample. Interview guide was used for the data collection and content analysis was used to analyse the data. The study found that teenage student mothers were humiliated, ridiculed and rejected by their peers and neighbours. It was also discovered that the teenage student mothers felt lonely and isolated as most of their friends shunned them for fear of being classified in the same category with teen mothers. It was therefore, recommended that guidance and counselling units in senior high schools should liaise with school authorities to empower teenage student mothers and the Ghana Education Service must also recruit more professionally trained counsellors to the senior high schools in and across the country due to large numbers of teenage student mothers in the senior high schools.It was therefore concluded that, the teenage student mothers go through distress in the hands of their neighbours, teachers and classmates in school. They felt ridiculed and rejected. In an attempt to overcome all these, they sorted counselling and drawing solace from vicarious experiences.

Source: UEW
Exploring the role of school improvement support officers in teaching and learning at the basic schools

School improvement is widely considered an essential instrument for achieving the quality of education of a nation to compete in the ever-changing educational development. This study examined the role of School Improvement Support Officers in teaching and learning at the Basic Schools. With the aim of investigating the challenges facing the school inspectors in performing their improvement duties, the study was done based on the directions of the mixed-method approach. To achieve the objective of the study, a convenience sampling was used to select 234 respondents from all circuits in Tema West Municipality. The instruments used were both questionnaires and interview guide. The findings revealed that school inspectors provide professional support to teachers in the form of responsible corrective action in schools. This professional support provided by the school inspectors improves basic teaching skills and encourages the use of teaching and learning materials. The study found that the school inspectors face challenges associated with insufficient funds, lack of transport, inadequate qualified school inspectors and other challenges associated with their working conditions. The study recommended that the government and stakeholders of education should improve guidelines for implementing the school improvement for public basic schools and ensure strict enforcement and effectiveness of the policy.

Source: UEW
Exploring the social and psychological well-being of the aged in Teshie, Ghana

Psychological well-being is a complex personal phenomenon, especially among the aged. This is because the aged are confronted with physical and mental health issues as a result of being jobless, lonely and dealing with the loss of dear ones. Several studies have examined the psychological and social well-being of the aged. However, little is done in Ghana. The present study, therefore, explored the indicators of social and psychological well-being among the aged. This was an exploratory study conducted among the aged in Teshie in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A homogeneous purposive sampling was employed to sample a total of 12 participants for the study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect information on respondents‘ demographic and socio-cultural factors, elements of psychological wellbeing, sources of psychological wellbeing, consequences of poor psychological wellbeing, and ways of maximizing psychological wellbeing. The data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Coding process used to generate themes include Condensed meaning unit, description close to the text, interpretation of underlying meaning, sub-theme to arrive at the main themes. The study revealed that building healthy relationships with children, neighbours and family, self-acceptance and challenging life events affect their psychological well-being. The study demonstrated several coping strategies such as words of encouragement, regular physical exercise, social activities, positive relations with others, and medications. Continuous crying, sleeplessness, and emotional pain were revealed as consequences of poor psychological well-being among the aged. Again, attending church activities, engaging in family duties and mentorship are activities the aged engage in to maximize their psychosocial well-being. This study concluded that the aged at Teshie, have poor psychological well-being. Thus, most of the participants are reliving their bad events instead of relishing the most rewarding events. It is recommended for the Ministry of Social Welfare, to develop volunteerism programs to sustain the aged in order to increase well-being.

Source: UEW
Exploring the use of a scratch software game on the performance of students on Electronic Configuration and Hybridization.

This study explored the use of a Scratch software game on the performance of Preservice science teachers on the concepts of electronic configuration of atoms and hybridizations. An action research approach was adopted for the study. The study targeted all 85 Pre-service science teachers (level 200 and 300) in Bagabaga College of Education (BACE)-Ghana. However, only level 200 Pre-service science teachers were accessible. A sample size of forty (40) Pre-service science teachers were purposively sampled. The one-group, Pre-test, Post-test, and delayed-Post-test design was employed to assess participants’ conceptual difficulties before, immediately after, and two (2) weeks after the intervention. Test items covered three learning domains: Knowledge, Comprehension, and Application. Semi-structured interviews were employed as a follow-up to the Pre-test to find out the cause of participants’ conceptual difficulties. Observation schedule was also used to assess their interest and level of participation in each activity during the intervention. Questionnaire sought participants' perspectives on the Scratch software game's impact on their performance and corroborating the observational data. Data were analysed on the appropriateness of scientific reasoning. Findings showed that the use of the Scratch software game in teaching the electronic configuration of atoms and hybridization provided a learning environment where participants were given opportunity to visualise and apply concepts through Digital Game-based activities improved their performance on these two concepts. Again, the study revealed a positive influence on participants' engagement, interests, and attitudes towards the Scratch software game. Moreover, significant improvements in participants' performance, evidenced by the Post-test results, were sustained even two weeks later. It is recommended that chemistry teachers in the school should be trained to use the Scratch software game in making their lessons interesting, and interactive in order to enhance participants’ learning experiences.

Source: UEW
Exploring the views of teachers on teacher absenteeism and its effects on academic work in West a circuit in Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region

The purpose of this study was to explore the views of teachers on teacher absenteeism and its effects on academic work in West A Circuit in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. A qualitative research approach, specifically case study was employed for the study. An interview guide was used to gather data from teachers in West A Circuit in the Bolgatanga Municipality. A total of 20 teachers were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. Data collected through the in-depth individual interviews was analyzed based on the research questions. Findings from the study revealed that posting teachers to schools that are far from the residence of the teacher, difficulty in getting means of transportation to school, inadequate teacher accommodation in schools, inadequate supervision by circuit supervisors and inadequate teaching and learning materials are the major causes of teacher absenteeism in West A Circuit. With the effects of teacher absenteeism, the absentee teacher could not cover the scheme of work planned for each term and subsequently, the syllabus for the entire year and this translates into poor student performance in tests and examinations. Also, there is more workload on the regular teachers and student indiscipline leading to waywardness with bad character and morals. It is recommended that the Bolgatanga Municipal Education Directorate should consult teachers to see if they have genuine cases with regards to distance before postings. The circuit supervisor should endeavor to pay regular visits to the schools within his or her Circuit to deter teachers from absenting themselves and assist teachers in need of help. The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly should ensure that provision is made for teachers’ accommodation in schools and adequate teaching and learning materials for effective lesson delivery

Source: UEW
Exploring the views of teachers on teacher absenteeism and its effects on academic work in west a circuit in Bolgatanga Municipality in the Upper East Region

The purpose of this study was to explore the views of teachers on teacher absenteeism and its effects on academic work in West A Circuit in the Bolgatanga Municipality of the Upper East Region of Ghana. A qualitative research approach, specifically case study was employed for the study. An interview guide was used to gather data from teachers in West A Circuit in the Bolgatanga Municipality. A total of 20 teachers were selected for the study using purposive sampling technique. Data collected through the in-depth individual interviews was analyzed based on the research questions. Findings from the study revealed that posting teachers to schools that are far from the residence of the teacher, difficulty in getting means of transportation to school, inadequate teacher accommodation in schools, inadequate supervision by circuit supervisors and inadequate teaching and learning materials are the major causes of teacher absenteeism in West A Circuit. With the effects of teacher absenteeism, the absentee teacher could not cover the scheme of work planned for each term and subsequently, the syllabus for the entire year and this translates into poor student performance in tests and examinations. Also, there is more workload on the regular teachers and student indiscipline leading to waywardness with bad character and morals. It is recommended that the Bolgatanga Municipal Education Directorate should consult teachers to see if they have genuine cases with regards to distance before postings. The circuit supervisor should endeavor to pay regular visits to the schools within his or her Circuit to deter teachers from absenting themselves and assist teachers in need of help. The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly should ensure that provision is made for teachers’ accommodation in schools and adequate teaching and learning materials for effective lesson delivery.

Source: UEW
Exploring under utilized tourist sites in the tamale metropolis of the northern region of Ghana

The Metropolis is endowed with unique tourism products, yet this opportunity is not well utilized, leading to loss of revenue in this section of the Metropolis. Improved patronage of the tourist sites will lead to revival of the cultural heritage of its host communities and economic empowerment. The main objective is to access the level of public awareness of tourist sites within communities in the Tamale Metropolis. Data was gathered from documented evidence. Both closed ended and open ended as well as likert scale were embodied in the questionnaire and interview guide were administered to community members, potential tourists, custodians of the tourist site and tour guards. Results from the study show that, level of awareness was very low with 10.34%. Assessment of the level of satisfaction to tourist‟s sites by local residence was 44.83% dissatisfied. Level of participation of respondent in tourism activities within the Tamale Metropolis was 35.35% below average. Lack of economic ability and lack of transparency on the part of management was also a factor. The results also showed the challenges of tourist‟s sites which includes insufficient recreational facilities. The awareness level is low, very little is heard from the actors of the sites including Government and its tourisms related agencies especially Ghana Tourism Authorities (GTA) to promote the sites for international recognition. Recommendation, all stakeholders must initiate awareness programmes for local inhabitants in the metropolis in general. An expansion in local tourism industry is relevant to ensure massive community participation by expanding the industry to create small business that will give opportunities for employment in the communities. Attractive facilities should be provided at the tourist sites to make it more comfortable and attractive for prospective tourists.

Source: UEW
Exploring upper primary and junior high school mathematics teachers’ perceptions and practices of classroom assessment in the Gomoa East district of Ghana

The study sought to explore Upper Primary and Junior High School mathematics teachers’ perceptions and practices of classroom assessment in the Gomoa East District in the Central Region of Ghana. A mixed method sequential explanatory study was undertaken using Mohamad’s (2009) conceptual framework (Classroom Assessment Process). A survey was first conducted using the Classroom Assessment Conception Instrument to gather quantitative data on the respondents (n = 289). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-sample t-test and Pearson product-moment correlation. Statistical analysis was conducted with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences. In the follow-up qualitative phase, semi structured interview and observational check-list (Classroom Assessment Lesson Observation Protocol) exploring teachers’ perceptions and practices of assessment were undertaken with 10 and 4 participants respectively. The data from the interview was subjected to interpretive thematic analysis while data from the classroom observation was subjected to content analysis. The findings revealed that, the teachers perceived assessment as test or exercise. Results showed that the planning, designing and implementing stages of assessment were perceived as serving summative purposes while the reporting stage was perceived as serving formative purposes. The respondents had a split view on the marking of assessment. The results further indicated that, the teachers’ perceptions and practices of assessment were related. The findings also showed that teachers had limited ability to use alternative assessment tools. Finally, assessment practices were mostly administered at the end of the lesson. Organizing in-service training, mentoring program and providing assessment materials were suggested as ways of developing desirable classroom assessment perceptions among the teachers.

Source: UEW
Exploring women’s level of participation in grass roots politics in the Akan Constituency, Volta Region

This study explored women‘s level of participation in grass roots politics in the Akan constituency of the Volta Region of Ghana. A concurrent triangulation mixed method research design was employed using the Liberal Feminist theory as the theoretical focus of the study. A sample size of two hundred (200) respondents, comprising women aged 18 years and above were purposively sampled from the Akan constituency for the study. The study employed interviews and questionnaires to gather data. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (ANOVA). The qualitative data on the other hand was thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that poor participation of women existed at the grass root politics in the Akan constituency. It was further revealed that the respondents were mostly motivated by intrinsic factors when they were willing to participate in grass root politics. The challenges that were bedeviling the women were lack of financial support, low level of education, inferiority complex, among others. It was also revealed that there were very few support mechanisms which sought to promote their participation. Such mechanisms were quota system by political parties, community support and political education by government. Findings based on the hypothesis also revealed that age and educational level were not differentiators when it came to level of participation in grass root politics. Among others, the study concluded that the women exclusion from political activities is observed as the result of multiple socio-cultural, individual, and institutional factors. Therefore, the study recommended among others that women‘s participation in grass root politics should be encouraged to make governance more democratic and adult education should be encouraged among the womenfolk.

Source: UEW
Exploring worst forms of child labour in cocoa production in the Amenfi West District

The Worst Forms of Child Labour is regarded as one of the most serious problems of human rights violations in the contemporary world. This study was conducted in three cocoa farming communities in the Amenfi West District namely Koduakrom, Wasenma Camp and Mmrakrom. The study aimed at exploring the phenomenon of Worst Forms of Child Labour (WFCL) in cocoa production. The objectives of the study were, to identify the nature of WFCL in cocoa farms, identify factors that push children into WFCL in these communities, describe the experiences of children working under WFCL and to explore the extent of success of human rights interventions on the practice of WFCL in the cocoa farms in the Amenfi West District. Thirty respondents were purposefully sampled for the study, comprising eighteen children, four parents, three employers and five stakeholders implementing and monitoring child rights protection. Interview and observation were used as instruments for collecting the data. The study revealed that, children from Koduakrom and Mmrakrom communities have not received child rights education and were involved in preparation of land for plantation, and used dangerous tools and agro chemicals on cocoa farms and work long hours beyond the permissible hours. It was gathered that the nature of work posed a threat to the psychological, emotional, physical and developmental growth of children, therefore the work constituted WFCL, an abuse of children rights. Children from Wansema Camp have received human rights education on the effects of children practicing worst forms of labour. The results further showed that communities that have received human rights interventions have successfully eliminated WFCL. It is recommended that the government and District Assemblies should commit some financial resources in curbing WFCL in communities that have not received human rights interventions

Source: UEW
Exposures and Health Risks Associated with Elements in Diets from a Gold Mining Area

There has been a concern of metal contamination from the mining areas which could expose the population to toxic metal through consumption of food products in the regions. Therefore, the study was conducted to analyze 18 elements using X-ray fluorescence analyzer and to assess for metal exposure through dietary intakes. Dietary recall survey instrument was used to collect consumption, demographic, and anthropometric data from 308 consumers in life-stage groups: toddlers, adolescents, and adults. Cassava, maize, rice, tomato, and yam indigenous diet samples (66) from the gold mining regions of Ghana were obtained by purposively sampling from street vendors. Principal component analysis was used to apportion pollution source. Health risks due to dietary elements were quantified using US EPA probabilistic protocols for cancer and non-cancer disease endpoints. Deficiency and overage risks of essential elements were tested against reference nutrient intakes. The element-diet-location mode of principal component analysis separated cassava and maize diets as significant vehicles for both essential and toxic elements apportioned to mining pollution source. The chronic daily intake trend revealed a preponderance for arsenic (maize: toddlers 0.009, adolescents 0.025 adults 0.010�mg/kg?d) and lead (maize: toddlers 0.009, adolescents 0.026, adults 0.010�mg/kg?d) exposure through maize diets compared to cassava diets. The hazard quotient showed (HQ &gt; 1) life-stage risk differentiation for barium, although there were cumulative and pervasive health risks for all age groups based on the hazard index (Ag, Ba, Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, Mo, Sb, Sn, Sr, U, V, W, and Zr). The likely cancer risk (mode) for all life-stage groups (3 � 10�6�1 � 10�2) were also high in that they exceeded the 1 � 10�6 safety threshold. The modal margin of exposure (MoE &lt; 1) alerted high public health concern due to lead-induced toxicities among all life-stage groups through all diet vehicles. Regarding nutritional adequacy, there were possible overage risks associated with selenium, including deficiency risks for calcium, potassium, and zinc for all life-stage groups. Toddlers and adolescents were susceptible to iron deficiency risks through cassava diets and iron overage risks through maize diets. � 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.

Source: UEW
Extending the four-stage brand loyalty framework in African Telecoms

This paper aims at extending sequential loyalty model by proposing and empirically validating simultaneous and formative re-conceptualizations of the four-stage brand loyalty model within the telecommunication industry in an emerging economy context. The proposed models were tested using data collected from a cross-section of 227 subscribers of four leading multi-national mobile networks in Ghana. A response rate of 67.1% was obtained for data analysis using Partial Least Square (PLS) Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that while consumer loyalty follows a sequential order, from cognitive to affective to conative to behavioural loyalty dimensions, the alternative simultaneous loyalty model and implicit-explicit model appears to better capture the complexity of consumer behaviour, and predicts behavioural loyalty (R2 = 0.60) better than the sequential model (R2 = 0.45). The findings further demonstrate that the proposed formative specification of loyalty could explain loyalty in telecommunications context better than the sequential loyalty model does. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. The paper advances our knowledge on consumer loyalty in telecommunication service contexts. � 2016 Adonis and Abbey Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.

Source: UEW