ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The effect of Ghana’s free maternal health care policy on maternal mortality: A case study of the Nsawam Government Hospital

The study examined the effect of Ghana’s free maternal health care policy on maternal mortality using yearly records of deliveries, maternal mortality, postnatal and antenatal attendance and the amount spent on the policy. The data was obtained from the Department of the Obstetrics & Gynecology of the Nsawam Government Hospital. T-test and correlation coefficient were used for the research. Trend analysis showed a reduction in maternal mortality however, there was an insignificant difference in the means of maternal mortality before and after the policy. The research showed a significant increase in antenatal and postnatal attendance at the hospital. Also, there was a negative relationship between maternal mortality and antenatal and postnatal attendance which shows that increase in antenatal and postnatal attendance reduces maternal mortality at the hospital. However, there was a decrease in the number of deliveries after the policy. The free maternal health care policy should be maintained however, it women should be educated about the benefits of early ANC, PNC and delivering at a hospital. Further research is needed to understand the reason for the decrease in deliveries at the hospital from 6,158 in 2012 to 4,371 in 2016. Also, the causes of maternal mortality at the hospital need to be researched into as this will enable the hospital to devise specific measures to reduce maternal mortality at the Nsawam Government Hospital.

Source: Ashesi
The effect of going public on profitability of financial firms listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange

Going public is one of the most common forms of equity financing used by firms to raise funds in order to finance their current and future operations. As part of this, firms become listed on a Stock Exchange so their shares become publicly traded. Being a publicly listed company comes with several benefits and obligations. In as much as firms are prone to some cost and obligations after listing, the bottom line for any firm that goes public is to obtain the necessary capital and recognition to make them more profitable. This study seeks to investigate whether there is a relationship between listing on a Stock Exchange like that of Ghana`s and profitability. It focuses mainly on the financial stocks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange and examines pre and post listing performance of these financial firms. It uses panel data regression analysis to deduce the relationship between Going Public and profitability. It also looks at factors that affect profitability of firms after Going Public in the Ghanaian context. The paper concludes that there is positive relationship between going public and profitability. However, this relationship is not statistically significant. This means firms do not necessarily become profitable after going public. Nevertheless, there was a statistically significant positive relationship between assets of firms and profit margins. Recommendations made were managing and increasing asset base of firms to make them profitable and improving standards and regulations in various industries to enhance performance of firms.

Source: Ashesi
The effect of green branding on consumer purchasing behavior: A study of the Ghanaian cosmetic market

Presently, Africa is predicted to be the next big hub for innovation due to its abundance of resources. Its biggest challenge however is preserving its resources while enriching its culture through innovations that stay true to its values. The aftermath of industrialisation in other parts of the world has seen the continent become a mass consumer of cheap and unsafe products, especially with regards to cosmetics. This happens in tandem with the continent being the major source of natural resources that are fuelling the now growing green cosmetic industry. Presently, there exists little literature on the effect of green branding of cosmetics on consumer purchasing behaviour. Thus this study employed a mixed method approach to determine what the current situation is in Ghana, considering all relevant industry players: brand owners, their consumers, and potential consumers. A convenience sampling of the residents in the Greater Accra Region resulted in a valid sample size of 117. Findings revealed that even though there is a strong health and environmental consciousness as well as a favourable attitude towards green cosmetics, the Ghanaian market is yet to adopt to the modernisation and commercialisation of natural beauty regimens that are native to their culture. Recommendations include that green cosmetic brand owners employ engaging as well as direct advertisement to allow them penetrate the Ghanaian market.

Source: Ashesi
The effect of investor profile and trust on stock market efficiency: Evidence from the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE)

The Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) is described as infant and immature but has seen improvements over the last decade. Nevertheless trust remains a big challenge to the GSE. Lack of trust if not checked might affect the GSE adversely. It could lead to a reduction in the numbers of listed firms, few stock trading, and hamper effective participation of individual investors. This research therefore seeks to find out how the kind of people who invest and the level of trust they have for the GSE affects the efficiency of the stock market. Using extensive data from questionnaires distributed to individual investors on the GSE, this study analyzes and tests the sign of the relationship between investor profile and trust on stock market efficiency. The dataset includes responses from the individual investors who answered questions about themselves and the GSE. The relationship is tested using empirical methods. The study showed that the relationship between investor profile and trust is positive but it is only trust that is statistically significant, supporting the view that stock market efficiency in Ghana can be associated with trust levels of the investor. The paper ends by recommending stepping up awareness campaigns and encouraging cross border listings to help boost activities on the GSE.

Source: Ashesi
The effect of microfinance on the growth of female-owned businesses in Ghana

The study explored the effect of Microfinance on the growth of female-owned businesses by focusing on how the financial and non-financial services offered by Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) affect the increase in assets, employees and revenues. It also explored factors that undermine the effect of these services on the growth of female-owned businesses. The research is a qualitative and uses purposive sampling technique. The findings of the research were based on the responses of thirty female clients of both Asa Savings and Loans, Odorkor Branch and Progressive Savings and Loans, Accra Central Branch. Branch managers of the Microfinance companies earlier stated were also administered questionnaires. Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive analysis and cross tabulation. The research revealed that MFIs have had a positive effect on the growth of female-owned businesses although some factors undermined this effect. These factors include the economic situation, the size of loans and the attitudes of the business owners. Furthermore the research showed that the advisory services offered were not being utilized by most of the respondents. However, the few who used these services observed a significant increase in management and control of their businesses which contributed to growth. Based on the findings, it was concluded that Microfinance Institutions have had a positive effect on female-owned businesses. Some recommendations provided by the researcher include a more rigorous advisory unit for MFIs, government and international grants to help increase loan sizes and also increase in market research to provide services that suit the needs of female clients.

Source: Ashesi
The effect of organizational culture on customer satisfaction in AFB and NDK Financial Services

Today, organizational culture and customer satisfaction are running the operations of firms. The organizational culture of the firm is the way of life of the members of the organization whereas customers with high satisfaction levels, are more likely to repurchase the services and products of a firm. The ability of firms to provide satisfaction to their customers is dependent on the values, thoughts, actions and beliefs of the organization. These attributes fall under organizational culture. This suggests that there is a relationship between organizational culture and customer satisfaction. Due to the continuous financial scandals-Ponzi schemes, which are being run by fraudulent financial institutions, people are losing faith in the financial system of the world. A firms ability to retain its customers can go a long way to increase their profitability and retention of customers can be done through customer satisfaction. This study sought to find the relationship between organizational culture and customer satisfaction. A mixed methods approach was used to collect data that could be generalizable and in-depth unlike past literature that used only a quantitative analysis. Data was analyzed using Pearson’s ‘r’ correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Results showed that three out of the four types of culture; clan, adhocracy, and hierarchy had a significant relationship with customer satisfaction levels. However, the result of the market culture was inconclusive. Qualitative results served as a complement to the results of the quantitative study, showing similar outcomes. Based on the results of this study, firms can concentrate on improving their current culture or changing it if need be in order to boost their customer satisfaction levels. Organizations can also work on receiving feedback from their customers in order to make the necessary adjustments and put in place the right structures, to increase their profitability.

Source: Ashesi
The effect of performance appraisal on employee motivation in two publishing firms.

The purpose of this study is to find the effect of performance appraisals on employee motivation and it influences the output of employees and the potential outcome on the firms. The study employs data gathered from face-to-face interviews from two companies. Data were analysed by categorizing the responses from participants and use them to develop themes to answer the research questions. The results of the study showed that performance appraisals do have effects on the motivation of employees and consequently, the potential productivity of the firm. Upon further analysis, the study revealed that intrinsic/personal motivation affects the effectiveness of extrinsic motivation mostly in the form of incentives. The study also showed that perceived fairness and objectivity can affect the effectiveness of performance appraisals in motivating employees. Based on these findings, it is suggested that organizations should put in more effort to improve upon their appraisal systems to boost the motivation of their staff for high productivity.

Source: Ashesi
Effects of bank recapitalization on bank performance and bank risk

Increasing the minimum capital requirement of banks is a major bank policy reform tool used by the Bank of Ghana (BOG) to prevent bank insolvency and ensure robustness of the Ghanaian banking sector. The existing literature shows that increasing bank capital can be beneficial in different contexts. But very few of that literature focuses specifically on African countries and other developing economies. This research was to determine how bank recapitalization affects bank performance and bank risk. Based on the literature on the subject, the major variables used in this study were return on equity, capital adequacy ratio, return on assets, net interest margin and bank risk. This study used the t-test of means as well as panel regressions to test the hypothesis stated in the paper. The findings revealed that bank recapitalization positively affects bank performance; this is consistent with the empirical literature. In determining the effect on bank risk taking on the other hand, the t-test of means revealed a negative effect while the regression showed a positive effect.

Source: Ashesi
Effects of Corporal Punishment in Ghana and Its Conflicting Laws

This research document contains Chapters 1 to 5 of my report. The purpose of this report is to address the effects of corporal punishment in Ghana and to consider whether the laws passed in Ghana to protect the rights of children are in fact, carrying out that protection. Corporal punishment is a form of punishment that uses violent actions to achieve a more cooperative result. Although this type of punishment is discouraged in Ghana by virtue of the provisions of the 1998 Children's Act, some provisions in the law create a sort of loophole that still allows people to apply corporal punishment. One of my aims is to draw the attention of legislators to this loophole for the purpose of establishing some monitoring system for those who wish to apply corporal punishment or to define what constitutes “reasonable”" in the application of corporal punishment. Through analysis of various literature regarding corporal punishment, a commonly identified theme was that parents and teachers utilize corporal punishment because they themselves grew up with it, and they feel that it is the most effective way to guarantee obedience. Some parents and teachers claim that they have tried other less violent methods to little or no effect on behaviour. This research aims to collect data from select individuals who deal with children, have experienced corporal punishment in their youth and / or are knowledgeable about the legal system in Ghana and to find out what can be done to make the law unambiguous. The research will also consider other ways of discipline that may be less harmful to children. The method of research will be mostly qualitative in nature, utilizing open- ended surveys and structured interviews to allow participants to express themselves and share their knowledge and experiences. Results from the interviews and open-ended surveys have been provided detailing the opinions and thoughts of the participants about the laws relating to corporal punishment, as well as why corporal punishment is applied and potential alternatives.

Source: Ashesi
Effects of COVID- 19 on Risk Tolerance and Coping Strategies Amongst Investors in Dar Es Salaam

Covid 19 poses a threat not only to health systems but also to the financial stability of both individuals and nations. The rapid spread of Covid 19 pandemic impacted the financial markets particularly, the investors who put their money into the financial markets with expectations of earning high returns. This study, thus, examines the impact of Covid 19 on the risk tolerance of investors in Dar Es Salaam and the coping mechanisms or strategies employed during the pandemic. This paper explored the strategies that the investors have used to protect their investments during the pandemic. Also, the paper assesses how Covid 19 has impacted the risk tolerance of the investors during the pandemic. The study employed mixed methods. The qualitative part of the study explored the strategies investors used during the pandemic to protect their investments and cope. It was found that investors used at most three common strategies which are diversification of the portfolio, sale of their investment and restraining from doing anything to the investment. A Quantitative method was used to assess the effect of Covid 19 on the risk tolerance of the investors. The study found that there was no significant relationship between covid 19 and the risk tolerance of the individual investor. This indicates that there might be other factors such as income, age, gender that might have caused this outcome. Hence, it is recommended that the study on how the age and gender of an investor can impact one’s risk tolerance should be conducted for future studies.

Source: Ashesi
Effects of ESG Factors on Investment Decisions of Fund Managers and Investors in Ghana

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have gained significant global recognition and currently play a crucial role in corporate reporting, complementing financial information disclosures to meet stakeholders' and investors' information needs. This research examines the influence of ESG considerations on the investment decisions of investors and fund managers in Ghana, focusing on whether the investment horizon moderates this relationship. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Goal Setting Theory, the study adopts a positivist quantitative approach. The paper utilises primary data collected using a structured questionnaire survey distributed among investors and fund managers in Ghana to obtain a sample size of 117, employing a stratified random sampling technique. It uses the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) ESG framework and analyses the information according to the principles of PLS-SEM with Warp PLS 7.0 software. The outcomes point to the fact that ESG considerations influence investment decisions, with the investment horizon moderating only the association between social considerations and investment choices. The findings provide valuable insights into ESG adoption in investment decisions in Ghana for policymakers and fund borrowers and contribute to the academic discourse on responsible investing in Ghana.

Source: Ashesi
Effects of events management on student’s social life at Ashesi University College

This research explores how Ashesi Students Council (ASC) can effectively manage campus events to improve students’ social life. The purpose of this study is to unearth how ASC can use events to create a sustainable vibrant campus with socially active students. Ashesi University College has student owned campus activities where most events are organized and run by the students themselves. In as much as they are working towards creating a vibrant campus, there is still low attendance and less participation during these events. This study suggests that, effective and efficient management of events on Ashesi campus leads to more student participation and improvement of students’ social life. Accordingly, extant literature is reviewed on events management to ascertain ways it can be improved to increase students’ participation. Using a qualitative approach and structured interviews, data were collected from current Ashesi students, alumina and some staff to find out their perception about Ashesi ASC events, what they think must be done to improve students’ participation in ASC events for them to gain the benefits therein. The study concludes with suggestions on how to use events to create a sustainable vibrant campus with socially active students with enriched lives devoid of stress.

Source: Ashesi
The effects of macroeconomic factors on stock price movement in Ghana

The purpose of this study is to identify the effects that macroeconomic factors have on stock price movement in Ghana, using the Arbitrage Pricing Theory(APT) as a framework. Ordinary Least Square Regression (OLS) was employed for the study since it provides an ideal structure for the APT. The macroeconomic variables considered were inflation rate, treasury bill rate, cocoa price, crude oil prices, gold prices, Balance of Payment account (BOP), Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and exchange rate between the periods of 2006 and 2014.The data was obtained from the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Ghana Statistical Service. The Ghana Stock Exchange All Share Index(GSE-ASI) was used as a proxy for stock price movement in Ghana. After discovering a multicolinearity problem through the Global Validation for Linear Model Assumptions test, a backward stepwise regression was run to eliminate some of the variables (BOP, treasury bill rate, oil and gold prices) as a way of solving the multicolinearity problem. Results from the OLS regression analysis revealed that inflation rate, exchange rate and GDP possess statistically significant explanatory power over the GSE-ASI. Although cocoa prices had a positive relationship with the GSE-ASI, it was statistically insignificant in explaining stock price movement. With regards to the findings, the government should take drastic steps to reduce the depreciation of the cedi, as exchange rate significantly determines stock price movement in Ghana. Investors should buy more local stocks at the back of an improvement in inflation rate, exchange rate and GDP in Ghana.

Source: Ashesi
An empirical analysis of central bank independence in sub-Saharan African countries

Often, central bank independence (CBI) is seen as one of the optimal institutional devices to guarantee price stability. The ample literature on CBI suggests that CBI is negatively correlated with inflation. Consequently, the turn of the 20th century has seen several countries enshrine in their central bank’s charter what its limits of independence are. Empirical studies on central bank independence, however, yield inconclusive results due, in part, to the difficulty in conceptualizing and measuring CBI. In the literature, the often-used indicators of CBI, legal-based CBI indices are based on the autonomy enjoyed by central banks as covered in their charter. Other attempts have been made to estimate the actual independence enjoyed by central banks. Empirical studies on CBI using either legal-based indices or estimates of actual CBI have yielded unrobust results that are very sensitive to the used CBI indicator. In developing countries, this issue is more profound as most studies use legal-based CBI indices in empirical studies. This study adopts the methodology of Eijffinger, Rooij, and Schaling (1996) to estimate an empirical CBI index. Together with a legal-based index of CBI obtained, the study carries out a Pearson correlation between the two measures of CBI and inflation in 14 sub-Saharan African countries from 1990-2016. The findings are as follows: when the legal-based CBI indicator was used, the correlation between central bank independence and inflation was almost non-existent, inconclusive and statistically insignificant. On the other hand, when the empirical CBI index was employed to perform the Pearson’s correlation between inflation and central bank independence, the results were consistent with theory. More importantly, empirical results proved to be sensitive to the CBI indicator employed.

Source: Ashesi