ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Coping with Pregnancy in Academic Environment: Experiences of Pregnant Students in A Public University in Ghana

Background : The Ghanaian culture expects women of reproductive age to reproduce. This makes pregnancy an acceptable occurrence in most tertiary institutions in Ghana. Although Ghanaian Universities allow pregnancy in school, challenges associated with pregnancies do not exempt pregnant students from following the academic requirements of the universities. This study therefore explores students’ experiences of copying with pregnancy in an academic environment in Ghana. Methods: This was a case study, quantitative and qualitative design using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides respectively for data collection. Respondents comprised twenty (30) pregnant full time and part time female students from campuses of University of Education, Winneba. Data collection was between October 2016 and May 2017. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. The qualitative data was transcribed and manually analysed thematically. Results: The study found that majority of participants were adults between ages 26 and 30 years. More than half of them (66.7%) had no child and this was their first pregnancy which they felt was mistimed as it occurred during schooling, posing some physiological, financial and academic challenges which compelled students to devise various coping strategies to combine academic work and pregnancy amidst limited University provisions for pregnant students. Conclusions: The study results have policy and programme implications for meeting women’s needs for pursuing academic and reproductive goals concurrently. The study recommends that public universities in Ghana should institutionalise programmes on preconception counselling and coping with pregnancy in academic environment to enable female students make informed decisions on exercising their reproductive rights in whilst in the university to ensure positive maternal health outcomes

Source: UEW
Coping With Stress: Strategies Adopted by Students at the Winneba Campus of University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate if students of the Winneba Campus of UEW (University of Education, Winneba), have appropriate strategies to cope with stress. Four hundred students who were selected based on stratified random sampling technique from all the departments at the Winneba Campus of the university were involved in the study. The questionnaire which was adapted to suit the study environment was pre-tested at the University of Cape Coast. The results of the study showed that among the ten strategies used, “active coping” and “positive reinterpretation and growth” were the two most predominant for problem-focused and emotion-focused styles of coping respectively. The study also indicated that students of the Winneba Campus of UEW used more of emotion-focused strategies than problem-focused strategies in managing stress. Among the recommendations is that the Counseling Unit of UEW should strengthen its services by having social support groups that consist of lecturers and students, so that supportive skills, such as talking and sharing, can be developed and students may then become very comfortable to let out their feelings.

Source: UEW
Corporate governance compliance and stock market performance of listed firms in Ghana, the role of sustainability disclosure

There have been several studies that have explored the linkage between corporate governance practices and stock market performance, most of which have reported inconclusive and conflicting result. This could be attributable to the fact that, the mediating role of certain variables that plays significant role in such relationship are usually ignored. On this basis, the current study examines the mediums through which corporate governance compliance translate into stock market performance. In this direction, the current study aimed at examining the linkage between corporate governance compliance and stock market performance through a sustainability reporting. A sample of 14 listed firm were selected and data on study variables were collected from annual reports and stand-alone sustainability reports over a six-year period from 2017 to 2022. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling. It was observed that, firms in the extractive industry maintained high level of Sustainability disclosure as compare to those manufacturing firms. Also, increase corporate governance compliance directly influence their stock market performance which is a confirmation of signalling theory. Again, sustainability disclosure was found to partially mediate the relationship between corporate governance compliance and stock market performance. The study therefore recommends that the activities on sustainability should be clearly integrated as part of the firm’s corporate and business level strategies. The study again recommends that, firms should consciously adopt a proper strategy to comply with corporate governance rules as this have direct influence on stock market performance.

Source: UEW
Corporate governance practices and performance of listed banks in Ghana

The financial performance of banks in Ghana has come under serious scrutiny recently. Some policymakers have argued that the financial success of companies is contingent on the corporate governance mechanisms ensured by these firms. This investigation therefore sought to verify the veracity of this public conjecture by specifically examining one, the effect of board size on the financial performance of banks. Two, to assess the effect of board independence on the financial performance of banks, and three, to analyze the nexus between board gender diversity and financial performance of banks in Ghana. The investigation adopted the explanatory research design and the quantitative approach toward its inquiry. A panel of secondary data was collected from 2008-2022 from 11 listed banks in Ghana drawn through the census sampling technique. The random technique was selected from the fixed and random estimation techniques for analysis through the Hausman test. Finding revealed that board size has a significant positive effect on both Return on Asset (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). Again, the study demonstrated that board independence has a statistically significant adverse effect on ROA and ROE. Finally, the result showed that board gender diversity has a positive and statistically significant effect on the financial performance of banks. Banks should increase the number of their board of directors and minimize the number of non-executive directors on their board.

Source: UEW
Corporate governance, corporate social responsibility, and profitability of listed manufacturing companies in Ghana

The financial performance of the manufacturing industry is very important in terms of their profitability, as one of the ways that can be done by the company's management, to meet the obligations of the parties concerned in achieving the vision and mission of the company. As such, the research aims to provide evidence on how corporate governance and corporate social responsibility affect the profitability of manufacturing firms. The data from the audited annual reports of companies trading on the Ghana stock exchange from the years 2010 to 2021 made up the scope of the study. 165 firm-year observations were the sample for this study. Using this data, the study found out that board characteristics such as board independence, board size, board diversity (gender) firm size and age are all positively and significantly related to the performance of the manufacturing firms. The study concluded that the different attributes of corporate governance and corporate social responsibility influences performance indicators differently. Thus, it is recommended for Ghanaian manufacturing companies to improve their image/reputation, corporate companies in Ghana should engage in CSR operations in all its aspects, thereby growing their returns and should make adequate disclosures on CSR activities.

Source: UEW
Corporate identity change in Ghana_ the employee factor in the identity change of the agricultural development bank

The study examines corporate identity change and employee involvement in such change. A case study approach was used for the study. It interrogated employees’ involvement in the change agenda and how that impacted on the perception of the new identity of the Agricultural Development Bank. Using interviews and documents reviews, the study ascertained the accuracy of the new identity based on the understanding and agreement of management and employees. The study concluded that the bank changed its identity in order to change the perception of publics about the bank. In order to achieve this objective, the bank improved upon its systems, trained and employed personnel, standardized its working units and modified its logo among others to depict its new identity. Employees also expressed knowledge about the new identity but it was obvious communication and involvement of staff at the bank’s branches were inadequate. The study further demonstrates that effective management of corporate identity requires consistency in employee involvement in all aspects of the organizational identity.

Source: UEW
Corporate identity management practices

This study explores corporate identity management practices of a leading multinational telecommunications company, MTN Ghana. The research adopts a qualitative approach, using a case study design. Drawing on corporate identity theory, the study relied on semi-structured interviews with eight (8) purposefully sampled participants from the corporate communications department of the company, along with a review of official corporate documents. The findings revealed that MTN Ghana visually presents itself through corporate design elements including the company’s logo, colors and symbols. The company also communicates its identity through various forms of behaviors that reflect corporate norms, values and culture. In addition, the company recognizes the role of communication mix elements such as advertising, traditional and digital media in corporate identity formation. The data further revealed three main driving forces of corporate identity management practices: image and reputation management, competitive advantage and fraud prevention. It emerged that corporate identity management processes of the company involve integrating stakeholder engagement into the broader strategic corporate framework, collaborations and partnerships with credible entities, and commitment to corporate social responsibility. This study contributes to the understanding of corporate identity management practices of a multinational telecommunications company operating in a unique competitive context, Ghana. It provides valuable insights for practitioners and scholars interested in the interplay between corporate identity, organiz

Source: UEW
Corporate investment myopia – a test of the agency and net present value theories

In the world of business, the significant factor that leads to the establishment of corporate organizations is the maximization of shareholders’ wealth. Much is expected from managers of corporate bodies – Agents, engaged by the Investors – Principals, to generate investment activities towards the attainment of the basic financial objective of maximization of shareholders’ wealth. Sometimes, the agents succeed in their endeavour to satisfy the shareholders’ interests. However, in other times, they fail to make the mark due to investment distortions termed as Investment Myopia. The researcher’s objective was to assess the extent to which the agent-principal relationship known as Agency Theory and the misapplication of investment techniques especially The Net Present Value Theory contribute to investment myopia that frustrates the maximization of shareholders’ wealth. The findings of the research revealed that the following are the contributory factors to investment myopia:  Irregular flow of information between investors and their agents.  The difference in attitude of investors and management towards risk.  Lack of a unified objective of investors and management caused by conflict of interest.  The misunderstanding of the dynamics of the Net present Value Theory. The diffusion of the effects of these contributory factors that stifle investments rests on strategies that generate a healthy relationship between agents and a sensitivity analysis of the Net Present Value Theory. University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.

Source: UEW
Corporate social responsibility in the tourism industry,a study of two hotels in Ghana

This case study examined Corporate Social Responsibility practices of in two hotels in Ghana: Windy Lodge Hotel and Coconut Grove Beach Resort Hotel. The study particularly examined the hotels’ motivation for adopting and implementing CSR and how those CSR initiatives are used to achieve sustainability in tourism. The study was underpinned by the legitimacy theory and the triple bottom line approach. Data were gathered through focus group discussion, interviews and document analysis. The study showed that CSR was conceptualized as a philanthropic gesture used to solve the social needs of host communities. The study also revealed that the hotels were internally motivated by ownership values and organizational culture; externally, the hotels were motivated by government regulations, global standards. Furthermore, the study indicated that sustainability in tourism can be achieved in three dimensions: social, economic and environmental dimensions. Focusing on CSR in the hospitality sector of the Ghanaian tourism industry, this study will further provide the Ghanaian government, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Ghana Tourist Authority, and Ghana Hoteliers Association with methods, strategies, and policies which should be given more emphasis in order to use CSR to achieve sustainability in the tourism industry.

Source: UEW
Correctional counselling programmes in ghanaian prisons: a case study of Koforidua Prisons

The study assessed correctional counselling services provided to inmates of Koforidua Prisons. The study adopted mixed method approach. An accessible population of 523 inmates and 176 officers of the Koforidua Prisons were participated. From this population, a sample of 29 inmates (age range of 18 – 29 years) and 5 officers (age range of 51-60 years) were selected using purposive sampling technique. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect data from the participants. Data was analysed and presented using simple frequency count and percent table and inferential statistics. The results revealed the nature of correctional counselling in Koforidua Prisons is crisis and integrative counselling. It was revealed that correctional counselling enhances inmates’ self image. The result further illustrate that those who hold positive perception about correctional counselling have positive attitude towards the programme. The study also revealed that office accommodation for counsellors is thwarting the operations of correctional counselling in Koforidua prisons. Finally, it revealed that perception of inmates is positively associated with attitude of inmates. Based on the findings, it was concluded that proper utilization of correctional counselling would produce in inmate’s high sense of self-worth. It was further concluded that attitude towards correctional counselling depends on the degree of inmates’ perceptions. It was recommended among other things that prison authorities should provide office accommodation for counselling personnel for proper institutionalization of correctional counselling. It was also recommended that prison authorities should sponsor staff as part of staff development process, to read advanced courses in correctional counselling. Keywords: Correctional Counselling, Ghanaian Prisons

Source: UEW
The correlation between head teachers’ leadership styles and teachers’ levels of job satisfaction in primary schools in Sekyere Central District of Ghana

The purpose of this study was to analyze the school system in the Sekyere Central District of Ghana to reveal the various types of leadership styles being practiced by head teachers of primary schools and relationship between these leadership styles teachers’ level of job satisfaction. This was to determine the extent to which Democratic, Autocratic and Laissez faire leadership influenced teachers’ job satisfaction. The sample size of the study was 66 teachers. The study adopted descriptive survey design to collect and analyze data as it exists in the field without manipulating any variables. Structured questionnaires for teachers were developed to gather the needed data for this work. The study found a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction of teachers and autocratic leadership style of the head teachers in the primary schools in the district. It again found that there is a significant relationship between job satisfaction of teachers and the democratic leadership style. Lastly the study found a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction of teachers and laissez-fair leadership style of the head teachers in the primary schools in the district. It was recommended that the Education Units together with the head teachers should come up with strategies of improving job satisfaction in order to promote the performance of teachers in the schools.

Source: UEW
Corruption and firm innovation: a grease or sand in the wheels of commerce? Evidence from lower-middle and upper-middle income economies

The phenomenon of corruption has become topical in contemporary development discourse as it is generally believed that corruption has adverse implications especially in developing countries at both micro and macroeconomic levels. This paper examines the effect of corruption on firm�s innovativeness using firm-level data drawn from 33 lower-middle and upper-middle income economies. Four analytical approaches: OLS, 2SLS, Probit and IV Probit estimations were employed to correct for the potential endogeneity in corruption and also allow for the effect of corruption to vary by region and income status. Results show that albeit corruption acts as a sand in the wheels of commerce, its effect on innovation varies significantly across regions and income status: While corruption generally has a negative and significant effect on firm innovativeness, its effect is more intense in lower-middle income countries and Africa. Corruption reduces the likelihood of firm�s adoption of innovation such as acquisition of quality ISO certificates, patents and undertaking excellent market research and development, a finding which is more pronounced in the case of lower-middle-income economies and Africa. The main policy implication from this study is the unparalleled trade-off between corruption and institutional quality within the public sector. As a policy recommendation, institutional weaknesses and failures that manifest in the public sector in Asia and Africa need to be urgently tackled so as to reduce corruption and its deleterious effects on firm innovation. � 2020, Eurasia Business and Economics Society.

Source: UEW
Corruption, EU Aid Inflows and Economic Growth in Ghana: Cointegration and Causality Analysis

In this paper, we examine the causal relationship between aid inflows and economic growth for Ghana during the period from 1970-2013, taking into account structural breaks. To better reflect causality, corruption and trade are included as control variables. To test for causality in the face of cointegration, a vector error correction model (VECM) is used in place of a vector autoregressive (VAR) model. This approach is complemented with Toda and Yamamoto’s method to indicate the causal direction. Our estimation results suggest GDP growth has one cointegrating vector relation ship with corruption, EU aid inflows and trade in both the short and long runs. There is a long-run unidirectional causal relationship from EU aid inflows to GDP growth and a short-run unidirectional causal relationship from trade to GDP growth. Corruption (which is a governance issue) was ineffec tive in inducing GDP growth. The error correction terms are the source of causation in the long run. The results indeed confirm the popular conjecture that corruption in Ghana is endemic and stifles development. Therefore, the decision by the government to launch a national anti-corruption cam paign in 2011, though long overdue, was justifiable. We urge all stakeholders to work together to deepen good governance to promote sustainable growth and serve as inducement for continued aid inflows from multilateral donors to sustain efforts at achieving the national development thrust of poverty reduction and sustainable development in Ghana Ghana; Corruption; EU Aid Inflows; Economic Growth; Governance; Multivariate Cointegration

Source: UEW
Corruption-Induced Inhibitions to Business: What Business Leaders Have to Say in Ghana

The paper examines how corruption-induced inhibitions influence business-related corruption from the perspectives of business leaders in Ghana. Data were collected through focus group discussion with Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of multi-national and local companies operating in Ghana. The findings show that business leaders encounter multiple regulatory agencies with duplicated and overlapping functions, multiple charges for virtually the same and duplicated services, multiple law enforcement agencies also performing regulatory functions at the Ports of entry, inadequate information on processes and costs of services, and inadequate channels for reporting corrupt activities in Ghana. The paper argues that these challenges trigger corruption-induced inhibitors which in turn, negatively affect the growth of the private-sector in Ghana. � 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: UEW
Cost burden of Infant malaria treatment on households and health institutions in the Upper East Region

This study estimates the economic cost burden of infant malaria treatment on households and institutions in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This study uses two methods to determine the costs of treatment of infant malaria. First, it uses institutional costing in order to represent overheads directly attributable to hospital service for cases of infant malaria. Second, it uses household costing of malaria treatment for infants in order to represent the sum of all out-of-pocket expenses made by the caregiver, plus the costs representing loss of potential household productivity. The data collected consist of a cross sectional observations in the years 2006 and 2007 on the health facilities as well as the caregivers health-seeking itinerary in the Upper East Region. A total unit cost of complicated malaria management is $46.62 out of which, 44.4% is attributed to service cost in the health institutions and 11% to drugs In Ghana, the health institution’s unit cost per complicated malaria case is $74.32 and that per simple case is $3.83. The cost of treatment for complicated malaria case is roughly 90% of monthly household income. The cost of treatment for simple cases averaged $10.20, or about 20% of monthly household income. With this fair knowledge on the cost burden of infant malaria treatment on households and institutions, policy makers, stakeholders and development partners are urged to devote much attention and resources to the control of this dreadful disease especially in the areas of ensuring an effective and efficient National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), enforcing the malaria control initiatives such as Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN), Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS), public health education and Intermitted Preventive Treatment in Infants (IPTi) which has now been recommended by WHO. 1University of

Source: UEW