ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The challenges of contract management in the procurement processes in Ghana

Effective and efficiency in the procurement process is very important in all the sectors of the economy, much more, in the public sector where numerous inefficiency and ineffectiveness are recorded. The Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) of Ghana, which became effective in August, 2004 requires that public entities and organistions undertake procurement of works, goods and services in accordance with the Law. The Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), provides guidelines for contract management. However, eventhough indicated as a problem, contract management has received very little research attentions both by the PPA and researchers who are interested in procurement issues. The limited research has created limited knowledge on the importance of contract management to the public sector. This study unravels and put into context the effects of breaches of contract in the public sector and the importance of contract management. The aim of the study is to examine the challenges of contract management in the procurement processes in Ghana. This study was more issue-oriented and focused more on case study on the effects and consequences rather than hypothesis testing, based on existing theories using inductive research arguments. A case study approach was chosen since such an approach enables in-depth analysis of a defined phenomenon such as the challenges of procurement. A sample size of 90 respondents was purposively selected for this project work. The number selected was because there are fewer persons employed in the MDAs solely for procurement processes whilst simple random sampling technique was used for the study. The study made use of both primary sources of data and secondary source of data whilst the questionnaires were the main research instrument used for the study and the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) was used for analysis. The findings of the study show that all respondent had acquired some level of education in procurement management and actively participated in the Public Procurement processes in their MDAs under the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663). In addition most MDAs have contract managers in-charge of their contract management processes. 81% of respondent confirmed their MDAs encountered breach of contract, that, this had happened between 5 and 10 times in the last five (5) years. This has made most MDAs go through several litigations, the reason being due to the poor performance of the parties. It also resulted in increased cost of contract. The poor performance had affected operation of all the MDAs, the reasons being that it raised the cost of the contract as well as lead to the series of court cases which affects their operations as MDAs. Consequently, MDAs would have to engage competent personnel and develop interest in contract management processes in order to avoid the obvious negative implications of poor contract management in the procurement process.

Source: KNUST
Challenges in the Informal Construction Artisan Training System in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

This research sought to find out the challenges confronting the informal artisan training system in the Ghanaian construction industry and provide available opportunities to help improve the system. The study was limited to two regions namely Greater Accra and Volta regions of Ghana. In all, two hundred and thirty-three (233) artisans comprising of one hundred and thirteen (113) apprentices and one hundred and twenty (120) master artisans were used for the study. Questionnaires were the main research instrument but personal observation was also used by the researcher. The sample of three hundred (300) was used in the data analysis. Qualitative research approach was used, employing the descriptive approach. Data from the field was analysed using percentages. From the findings, it was realized that two main modes of skill acquisition were in play pertaining to the informal sector, these are the traditional method (75%) and the attachment method (25%). Another finding was that, one shortcoming of the informal system appears to be a lack of consistency and adequate content in the training that apprentice receive. The study concludes that there is little external motivation or capability for the system’s trainees to progress in performance or in improving their methods. More than 55% of the master artisans apply experimentation or trial and error in their work. It is recommended that, it will be essential to involve the master artisans in a reform process including efforts to provide them with opportunities to upgrade their own knowledge of construction skills.

Source: KNUST
Challenges of deposit mobilisation at Agricultural Development Bank

The bank of Ghana recently tasked the commercial banks to increase their capitalization. This has brought about some challenges to the banks. Amongst such challenges is the deposit mobilization within the banking Industry. The study seeks to investigate deposit mobilization within the operations of Agricultural Development Bank with specific reference to the branches in the Kumasi metropolitan area. Descriptive analysis was used to describe the behavior of individual variables. Account opening processes, loan application processes, non- functioning of ICT facilities inadequate branches and poor customer service delivery are identified as some of the challenges facing ADB in their deposit mobilization operations. The study recommends the following as some of the possible means of addressing the above challenges. Regular training of staff, reduce loan application requirement, improves ICT facilities, provision of attractive products such as mobile phone services, open new branches at vantage locations and ensure good customer services.

Source: KNUST
Challenges of district assemblies in the delivery of water and sanitation services in Ghana (a case study of Kintampo south district assembly)

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put great emphasis on the importance of universal access to water and sanitation by the year 2030 (SDG, Goal 6). However, efforts by the Government of Ghana has not yielded much result over the years. It is for this reason that, this study was conducted to assess the challenges of MMDAs in the delivery of water and sanitation projects in Ghana, using Kintampo South District Assembly (KSDA) as the case study. Specifically, the study sought to assess the sources and distribution of funds in the KSDA; analyse access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation in the KSDA; examine water and sanitation projects completed by the KSDA; identify the challenges of water and sanitation projects delivery in the KSDA, and identify measures taken by the Assembly and other stakeholders in resolving the challenges of water and sanitation issues within the District. The study used systematic random sampling to select 254 respondents including 253 household heads and the District Coordinating Director. The study found out that DACF contributed more than one-third of the Assembly‟s total revenue. It was revealed that the Assembly has been declining consistently for over three years and the Assembly is unable to meet its revenue targets. In addition, it was revealed that investment in water and sanitation project were meagre, resulting in water coverage of 53% compared to national average 87%; and only 4% of the population with access to improved sanitation compared to national average 14%. Most of the sanitation project by the Assembly is concentrated in the urban communities. The main challenge facing the assembly in the provision of water and sanitation in the district was inadequate capacity to generate enough revenue to finance the water and sanitation sector. It was therefore recommended that the GoG must increase budgetary allocation specifically to the water and sanitation sub-sector since water and sanitation related diseases in the district is deteriorating.

Source: KNUST
Challenges of income tax compliance in the informal sector of Adansi North District

Governments and their tax authorities have been working around the clock to bring the informal sector into the tax bracket. Efforts by governments to widen the tax base will greatly increase revenue leading to a reduction in the reliance on donor funding and in incidences where governments are forced to increase taxes on basic commodities. The study set forth to determine the level of income tax compliance by the informal sector, the challenges faced by the informal sector in complying with income tax liabilities and the reasons for the non-compliance of income tax by the informal sector of Adansi North District. The study reviewed literature related to income tax compliance in general and employed a quantitative and qualitative methodology. The questionnaires and follow up interviews were used as the main instrument in the collection of data. The study used a sample size of 230 which comprised entrepreneurs in the informal sector of Adansi North District. The research questions were analyzed through the use of statistics tools (Tables, percentages, pie charts, and bar charts). This study identified that majority of respondents were mostly into retail/commerce and agriculture. On the average the amount of tax paid by the informal sector deviated from expected tax to be reported and paid to GRA by 25.25%. Participants recounted inefficiencies with GRA as part of the reasons for income tax non-compliance. Another reason identified for tax non-compliance and evasion by the study included the perceived misuse of the revenues collected by GRA. Challenges identified from the work ranged from high rate of taxation, cost of complying with tax, skill and education base in the sector to firm wide performance. In the light of the above findings to the study, the researcher proposes that GRA should focus on strengthening its structures to eradicate the loopholes as well as ensure proper use and allocation of revenues.

Source: KNUST
The challenges of financing small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) in the Ashanti Region -A Case Study of Stanbic Bank (Gh) Ltd

The main objective of the study is to evaluate the challenges and the extent of financing of SMEs within the Ashanti Region of Ghana, taking cognizance of the role and contributions of Stanbic Bank Ghana Limited. In most jurisdictions, commercial banks as a group are the main source of external finance for SMEs. However, there are number of rigidities of a macroeconomic, institutional and regulatory nature that may bias the entire banking system against lending to SMEs. The statement of the problem is that these commercial banks are most often unwilling to increase loan funding without an increase in the security given thereby leading to stagnation of growth and certain instances unable to expand to enjoy economies of scale necessary to serve their potential of being an engine of national growth and are thus collapsing. The sources of materials for the study were both primary and secondary. Primary data were collected by the use of structured questionnaires which were designed and administered to SME customers and employees of the company alike. Stakeholders like SME customers, management executives and staff of Stanbic Bank were interviewed for input on this study. Secondary materials were extracted from relevant textbooks, newspapers, reports/articles, journals, bulletins and documents presented by corporate financial analysts and policy planners. The study showed that all the staff respondents have been on the SME Banking between the period of less than 2 years and four (4) years; majority having been with the Unit for three (3) years period. In view of the findings, it was recommended that banks should create a separate department for the SMEs; the establishment of a common fund by the government for SMEs; there should be a national policy on SMEs by the government in respect of funding among others in other to educate SMEs in the efficient and effective financial management of their businesses in order to sustain the SMEs to grow into much bigger industries in the near future.

Source: KNUST
Challenges of implementation of the Procurement Act (663) in Public Senior High Schools

In the emerging countries, Public Procurement Practitioners are faced with numerous challenges. Respective country has its own social, economic, cultural as well as political challenges it faces in terms of implementing procurement laws. Poor Procurement Practice results to decrease in productivity, inadequacy, loss of money as well as negative effect on government budget. The study adopted multiple research approaches including: review of literature interviews and 80 questionnaires were administered to four Public Senior High Schools in Brong Ahafo, Ghana. Meanwhile 75 questionnaires were responded. Quantitative method was used to analysed the data. The results were issued according to the objective of the study. The study established that the request for quotation and sole source as common procurement methods employed to source for competent tenderers at Public Senior High Schools in Ghana. The study identified: delay in procurement process due to bureaucracy manner; Lack of accountability and transparent; Lack of proper procurement plan and budget; Political environment; Lack of proper communication; corruption and fraudulent act as implementation challenges of procurement Act 663. Addition to these, the study identified the measures to overcome procurement challenges in Public Senior High Schools. These include: Efficient system of monitoring the procurement process; Training of Procurement Practitioners; Public Procurement Authority offering advice to procurement entities; Proper record keeping; and Preparation of standard procurement document. The study recommended further research to be conducted to ascertain the level of compliance with each objective of Act 663 in accordance with the Act.

Source: KNUST
Challenges of maintenance management of commercial buildings in Ghana: a case study of Social Security and National Insurance Trust properties in Accra

High demand for office buildings and commercial facilities has attracted investment and witnessed the development of high rise commercial properties/facilities in Accra and other regional capitals in Ghana. Notwithstanding, these however are associated with effective maintenance management challenges after buildings are completed and occupied by users. This study concentrate on identifying the challenges of maintenance practices of commercial buildings in Ghana with the view of proposing strategies for improving maintenance management using Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) as a case study. It identifies the factors influencing commercial properties maintenance managements, factors contributing to high cost of commercial properties maintenance management and strategies for improving on commercial properties maintenance management. In attaining these objectives, the views of facilities/maintenance managers of SSNIT commercial properties were solicited by administering a quantitative questionnaire to them and data were collected and analysed by using descriptive statistics. The analysis showed that financial delays, contractual delays, tenants’ improper use of facilities and clients’/owners’ response delays to vital maintenance issues are factors that largely influence maintenance management of commercial properties etc. The analysis also found out that the following factors contribute in varying ways to high cost of maintenance: buildings’ external and internal work, ironmongery, security systems etc. The analysis also revealed that the following strategies were very significant and recommended same for improving on maintenance management of commercial buildings: maintenance policy need to be agreed upon by maintenance personnel and top management before implementation, adherence to design details to avoid errors, availability of adequate maintenance funding and prompt response to reported defects.

Source: KNUST
Challenges of revenue mobilization in the informal sector of Ghana: evidence from Suame - Domestic Tax Revenue Division (DTRD) - Ashanti Region.

In recent years, there has been increased attention paid to the issue of revenue generation the informal sector. Statistics show that a large number of the country’s active labour force is employed in the informal sector and accordingly generates significant amount of income that is subject to tax. The general objective of the study was to examine challenges of revenue mobilization in the informal sector using evidence from the Suame Domestic Tax Revenue Division of Ashanti Region. A descriptive research approach was used. Out of a population of 50,000, a sample of One Hundred and Forty Four (144) SMEs in the informal sector was selected. Both convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used. The main sources of data included primary and secondary. In examining Revenue Mobilisation Challenges facing the GRA, the study found that poor attitude on the part of some revenue collectors paved way for corruption in the system. On the part of tax payers, the study identified lack of equity and trust, poor record keeping by tax authorities, delays in processing tax related documents as major challenges. On the issue of effectiveness of strategies used by the GRA, the study found that strategies such as regular visits by tax officers, the provision of online services and information on website, use of innovative software and dealing with tax defaulters were ineffective. It is therefore concluded that despite the gains made from revenue mobilisation, the GRA is still bedevilled with high tax defaults from the informal sector. On the basis of the above findings, the study recommends that, GRA provides adequate information on various tax categories as well as the deployment more efficient and effective measures to reduce tax defaults within the informal sector.

Source: KNUST
Challenges of post-independence Africa: a study of Chimamanda Gozi Adichie’s purple hibiscus and half of a yellow sun.

ABSTRACT Many literary artists have written about Africa’s troubled past and present. This research analyses the causes, the course and effects of the many political upheavals in Nigeria. The project studies mainly the many coups and counter coups and the devastating civil war fought in Nigeria in the late sixties as presented by Chimamanda Adichie in her novel, Half of a Yellow Sun. The study also examines Adichie’s presentation of the nature and effects of military rule in Purple Hibiscus. Using the post-colonial and the new historicist theories, the study shows that the main cause of the Nigerian and therefore African upheavals is the deliberate divisive tactic of the colonialists to play one ethnic group against the other. The other reason the study discusses is poor leadership. The research concludes by making some recommendations to Nigeria and Africa to prevent wars, coup d’états and military regimes. The study suggests that leadership must be improved to give all ethnic groups equal chances to access the economic potential of the country

Source: KNUST
Challenges of Screening and Early Detection of Hearing Impairment among Children in some selected hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis

Hearing plays a key role in learning to talk. Early screening of newborns for hearing impairment is essential as treatment is most successful when identified early. The study assessed the challenges associated with screening and early detection of hearing impairment among children in the Kumasi metropolis and focused on the services available for screening of hearing impairment among children and the effects of the challenges of screening and early detection of hearing impairment. The study employed a qualitative approach. Purposive and convenience sampling were used to select 15 participants. An interview guide was adopted to capture the responses of participants on voice recorder. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse themes generated from the data according to the objectives. The study found that, hearing screening services for children included OAEs, pure tone testing, behavioral assessment and school outreach programs but health personnel are faced with challenges in undertaking these services. Challenges such as lack of enough funds, insufficient tools and equipment, few numbers of health personnel and low patronage of hearing screening services limited health personnel‟s ability to provide effective hearing screening services to children. The study therefore recommends that the ministry of health constructs audiology units in every region in Ghana and supply the units with the tools and equipment needed for work. The study further recommends that, the ministry of health in collaboration with ministry of education should assist in training more audiologists and make school screening programs a long term national policy.

Source: KNUST
Challenges of small and medium scale enterprises in financing - the Merchant Bank customers’ perspective

The purpose of this study is to explore the various challenges encountered by SMEs in accessing finance and to give recommendations aimed at improving the accessibility of SMEs to financing using Merchant Bank as a test case. The sampling techniques used included quota and purposive sampling techniques. Questionnaires and unstructured interviews were the main research instruments used in this study in collecting primary data. The questionnaire was structured to elicit information about SMEs concerns in accessing finance with respect to Merchant Bank. A total of 100 SMEs were sampled out of which 95 responded representing 95%. This data was analysed using Excel software and the results were exhibited as charts. It was revealed that the main difficulties in accessing credit from formal sources included rigid repayment terms, number of years in business, high interest rate, high collateral security, ownership structure etc. It was recommended that an effective way of addressing the SMEs financing, included flexible repayment credit system, and establishment of common fund by government, SMEs banking and removal of collateral security regarded by the financial institutions. Limitations associated with this study were the unwillingness of some SMEs to cooperate with the researcher due to suspicion that their expected profits will be known thus informing taxation policies.

Source: KNUST
The challenges of women in banking and finance: a case study of Agricultural Development Bank (Ghana)

In traditional African Society, women were not seen as part of the public arena and were therefore excluded from the decision-making process. Their role was largely restricted to farming, trading, raising children, providing social support to family members and doing housework. Nowadays women are making great strides in all spheres of life. Unfortunately, their representation dwindles disturbingly at the top levels of the achievement pyramid. For instance, the statistics on female achievement show that roughly only 10 percent of the top positions in any field are held by women. This study therefore seeks to out the underlying factors for the low representation of women in top executive management positions of banking and financial institutions.

Source: KNUST