ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Financial Performance of Co-Operative Unions in Central Region

The performance of financial institutions in Ghana has become very topical in the backdrop of the collapse of many institutions in the financial sector. Among the key institutions that have been folded up in the financial sector of Ghana are those in the banking sector and savings and loans companies. Firms in the Co-operative Credit Union industry, however, seem to have been stable and maintained their survival rate and little is heard about them in terms of the rising level of collapse in the counterpart firms in the banking, savings and loans industries. While Co-operative Credit Unions have been able to maintain their survival rate over the years, there is no sufficient evidence to show that the steady survival rate is due to good performance. In this study, the financial performance of Co-operative Credit Unions was examined in terms of firm size, deposit, business mix and diversification, and operational efficiency based on data covering 2015 to 2019 from 15 selected Credit Unions in the Central Region of Ghana. The CAMEL model was used to measure financial performance. The findings based on the system dynamic generalised methods of moment estimations revealed that the key factors that influence the financial performance of Co-operative Credit Unions include financial performance measures, deposits, business mix and diversification, operational efficiency, and growth in sales. The study found no significant relationship between firm size and financial performance. The study, among other things, recommended that management of Co-operative Credit Unions in the Central Region of Ghana should map up efforts to grow their sales and deposits, ensure proper diversification of assets, and improve the efficiency of their operations to raise the level of financial performance.

Source: UCC
Determinants of financial sustainability of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG)

This study sought to examine three main determinants of financial sustainability of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) in view of the fact that the Church is grappling with serious financial challenges regarding funding administrative overheads, scholarships, and social services. The PCG is a major contributor to the socio-economic and spiritual development of Ghana since 1828 in areas like health, education, agriculture, etc. It was guided by three objective predictors of financial sustainability, namely; income generation, income diversification and donor support/ relationship management. The study engaged a descriptive research design with the target population comprising members of the governing body, programme leaders, national finance committee members, etc. The sample consisted of 60 respondents out of a population of 115 technocrats of the Church. The instruments for data collection included questionnaire, personal interviews and PCG annual financial reports. The primary data collected through the administered questionnaire was processed using a computer application known as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The research findings based on the given predictors of financial sustainability were analysed and interpreted in order to draw useful conclusions by establishing an appropriate roadmap. Equity balance, low administrative costs, operating margins, concentration of income streams and accounting ratios were mentioned as good measuring rods for financial sustainability. The study concluded that, income diversification and income generation could significantly influence financial sustainability of PCG. The study therefore recommended that the church intensified fund raising strategies by diversifying sources of income through income generating projects and strategic partnerships, cost reduction, and then increase in monitoring and evaluation processes.

Source: UCC
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in Ghana

The study sought to examine the factors that drive foreign direct investment inflows in Ghana. The quantitative approach to research was adopted for this study and secondary data was used. The data were mainly obtained from World Development Indicator and International Financial Statistics. Data was sampled for the period 1990 to 2018. Pearson’s correlation, Two-Stage Least Square (2SLS) Regression, and Granger causality were used as the estimation techniques. The study found that there was a positive relationship between human capital and foreign direct investment; between financial development and foreign direct investment, and between exchange rate and foreign direct investment. On the other hand, a negative relationship was found between interest rate and foreign direct investment, and between inflation and foreign direct investment. Furthermore, the study found that human capital, financial development and exchange rate positively affect foreign direct investment inflows in Ghana, but inflation had a negative effect on foreign direct investment inflows in Ghana. Again, a bidirectional relationship was found between human capital and foreign direct investment as well as between financial development and foreign direct investment. No causal relationship was found between FDI and interest rate, inflation, and trade openness. The study therefore recommends that economic policymakers must design policies that attract development-based foreign direct investments considering making effort to enhance financial development, human capital development, and maintain a stable price level and strong currency performance.

Source: UCC
Determinants of Health and Safety Conditions of Early Childhood Care and Development Centres in Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

Ghana has an obligation to ensure that children grow, survive, develop and receive protection through the establishment of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) services. The quality of care provided to children in any kind of ECCD centre is very important in that the higher the quality of care the better the developmental outcomes. The purpose of this explanatory sequential mixed methods study was to assess the health and safety conditions of ECCD centres in Cape Coast Metropolis (C.C.M.) of Ghana and identify the determinants of these conditions. Data was collected from all the 160 ECCD centres, all 160 ECCD centre Heads and all 462 ECCD teachers. Eight Heads and eight teachers were also interviewed. Descriptive statistics showed that physical environment of ECCD centres in C.C.M. was of a fair quality. ECCD centres met most of the health and safety practices. However, two themes were identified as explanations to why play yards in ECCD centres were not good: “Funds” and “Government”. The theme identified as explanation to why centres were not requiring copies of doctor’s reports was: “We don’t bother to ask”. Four themes identified as explanations to why hand sanitizers were not used were: “Water and soap”, “Expensive”, “Teachers have” and "Some children have”. Chi-square analysis revealed that private ECCD centres were likely to meet recommended health and safety practices. Four themes came up as explanations to why private centres were better: "National cake”, "For profit”, Nice facility” and "Responsible parents”. In explaining why specialized training in ECCD was not associated with health and safety practices, three themes came up: "Desire”, "A calling” and "Skill”. Implications for best practices, conclusions and recommendations were made.

Source: UCC
Determinants Of Health-Related Behaviours Among School Going Adolescents in the Central Region of Ghana

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of health related behaviours among school going adolescents in the Central Region of Ghana, and explore factors influencing these behaviours. A descriptive cross-sectional design with multistage sampling procedures was used to sample 1,311 school going adolescents. Binary logistic regression was computed to examine the influence of some socio-demographic characteristics of respondents on the prevalence of the health related behaviours. The findings from the study revealed prevalence of the following health related behaviours: cannabis use (9%, n = 122), sexual intercourse (26%, n = 342), cigarette smoking (9%, n = 120), alcohol drinking (42%, n = 554), healthy dietary practices (50%, n = 654), physical inactivity (52%, n = 675) among school going adolescents in the region. The findings also showed geographical location as a significant detenninant of alcohol drinking (OR = 0.69, P = 0.013). In the same vein, gender (OR = 1.36, P = 0.007), academic performance (OR = 2.19, P = 0.001) and geographical location (OR = 1.79, p = 0.001) were significant determinants of healthy dietary practices in the region. Also, age (OR = 1.483, P = .017), gender (OR = 0.65, p = 0.001) and parental communication (OR = 0.69, p = 0.006) were significant determinants of lifetime sexual intercourse. Gender (OR = 0.52, p = 0.001), religious affiliation (OR = 1.76, p = 0.034), socioeconomic backgrounds (OR = 0.52, p = 0.004) and geographical location (OR = 0.53, p = 0.016) were significant determinants of cannabis usage in the region. Similarly, religious affiliation (OR = 1.70, p = 0.043) and socioeconomic backgrounds (OR = 0.53, p = 0.007) were significant determinants of cigarette smoking among school adolescents. It was concluded that multiple factors were responsible for health related behaviours in the region. It was therefore recommended that distinctive public health education should focus on both individual and environmental factors of susceptibility and resilience in the region.

Source: UCC
Determinants of healthcare utilization among sickle cell disease patients in the upper west region of ghana

Sickle Cell Disease is a chronic disease of public health concern that accounts for significant mortalities and hospitalisation worldwide. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is marked by both immediate and long-term complications, frequently necessitating the utilization of healthcare services.There is a paucity of research on the determinants of care utilization. Therefore, the determinants of healthcare service use among people living with SCD should be identified and addressed. This study aimed to assess the utilization of healthcare services and its determinants among SCD patients in the Upper West Region. The study adopted the quantitative approach using a cross-sectional survey design involving a sample size of 248. SPSS version 22.0 software was used to analyse the data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The findings showed that 92% of the respondents had used healthcare services within the last 12 months. Specifically, SCD patients had utilised OPD services 62%, Emergency services 57.7% and Inpatient services 39.5% three or more times within the last 12months. It was also observed that 58% of the 248 respondents had poor accessibility to healthcare facilities providing SCD-specific care, with an overall mean of accessibility of 13.5. The major factors that were found to have influenced healthcare utilisation were age (p<0.001) and closeness to the healthcare facility (p <0.005). Healthcare service utilization was predicted by being aged 40+ years (AOR=12.6, 95%CI=1.40-113.81, p=0.024), and nearness to health facility (AOR=0.03, 95%CI=0.00-0.98, p=0.026). Efforts such as investment into healthcare infrastructure, incorporating SCD-specific care in all health facilities, and training specialists should be increased to improve accessibility, service availability, utilization, and quality of service.

Source: UCC
Determinants of HIV Testing and Counseling Utilization among Trainee Nurses and Midwives in Central Region of Ghana

As an effective vaccine for HIV is yet to be developed, HIV testing and counseling (HTC) becomes a key cornerstone for the prevention and care strategies for HIV/AIDS pandemic both globally and in Ghana. This study examined the determinants of utilizing HTC among trainee nurses and midwives in the public nursing and midwifery training colleges in the Central Region of Ghana. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed to collect data from 375 nursing and midwifery students using multistage sampling procedures that comprised stratified random sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The binary logistic regression analysis shows that student nurses with positive attitude toward HTC were 3 times more likely to utilize HTC compared to those with negative attitude toward HTC (odds ratio [OR] = 3.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.02–10.41], P ≤ 0.05). With sex, males were less likely to utilize HTC compared to females (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = [0.25–0.68], P ≤ 0.05). Again, ages between18 and 20 were less likely to utilize HTC compared to those in other age categories (OR = 9.47, 95% CI = [2.15–41.72], P ≤ 0.05). Regarding academic level, student nurses/midwives in level 300 were 2 times more likely to utilize HTC compared to level 200 counterparts (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = [1.03–2.53], P ≤ 0.05). In addition, student nurses/midwives who were married 4 times more likely to utilize HTC (OR = 3.68, 95% CI = [1.14–11.90], P ≤ 0.05) than their single colleagues. Conclusion: Student nurses/midwives decision to utilize HTC services is influenced by diverse factors. Trainee nurses/midwives’ positive attitude toward HTC utilization is an expression of confidence in HTC services as a gateway for both primary and secondary prevention mode. This may increase in their ability to prescribe HTC services to clients in their future occupational settings. Findings provide more support for continual health education programs that promote positive attitudinal behaviors toward HTC, especially among males and singles who may ignore HTC services utilization.

Source: UCC
Determinants of hotels’ environmental performance: Evidence from the hotel industry in Accra, Ghana

This study explores the factors that account for the environmental performance of hotels in the special context of a developing country, Ghana. It also examined the socio-demographic characteristics of managers and organizational characteristics that determine the environmental performance of Ghanaian hotels. A stratified random sampling method was employed to survey 200 hotel managers from different categories of hotels in Accra. Ninety-four percent were independent, and Ghanaian-owned. Sixty seven percent had fewer than 20 rooms; only 45 had more than 100 rooms. Only 11.6% were affiliated to foreign multinational companies in any way. Six key factors that accounted for the environmental performance were extracted from a factor analysis. They included, in order of most practised, the environmental education and training for staff, measures to support for the host community, conservation project support, compliance with environmental regulations, waste management, and voluntary programs. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that larger size and better class of hotels, as well as those with membership of the national hotel trade association, had better environmental performance as did hotels with better aid managers. Affiliation to foreign multinational chains did not predict better performance. A series of suggestions are made to improve the environmental performance of Ghana’s hotels

Source: UCC
Determinants of Household Heads’ Saving Behaviour in Upper East Region: A Case Study in Zebilla

In developing economies of which Ghana is no exception, extant literatures agree that savings level of households is relatively low. There have also been limited studies in Ghana on the relationship between non-macroeconomic factors that influence personal savings. The main purpose of this study was to analyse the factors that affect the savings behaviour of household heads in Zebilla in the Upper East region of Ghana. They assessed the influence of demographic, cultural factors, financial literacy, psychological factors and social factors on the savings behaviour of heads of households in Zebilla after collecting data from 367 household heads using questionnaire survey. The least square regression results revealed that age and household size negatively influence savings behaviour while income and educational level positively influence savings behaviour. The study also found positive relationship between motivation, perception, learning and attitudes and savings behaviour of household heads. Financial literacy, cultural practices and social factors such as influence of the family and the role and status of household heads in the family and community were also found to have significant positive impact on the savings behaviour of household heads. The study among other things recommended that policy makers such as the government should not only consider the macroeconomic factors but also the socio-cultural, psychological, demographic factors and financial education of individuals should be considered when designing frameworks for improved personal savings.

Source: UCC
Determinants of household participation in rural water supply delivery in west mamprusi district, northern region

he study sought to assess the determinants of household participation in the operation and maintenance of boreholes provided by World Vision Ghana (WVG) in the overseas area of the West Mamprusi District in the Northern Region. The study was carried out in three communities namely, Loagri No.1, Yagba and Kubori with populations ranging from 500 to 900 people, which have been provided with more than 4 boreholes since the inception of the project in the overseas area of the district in 2000. A semi-structured household questionnaire was used to collect selfreported data from 150 households. The study found a statistically significant relationship between cash contributions as a dependent variable for household participation in water service delivery and two explanatory (independent) variables (sex of the respondent and household size). This suggests that sex (gender) and household size may be strong predictors of households’ willingness to participate towards the operation and maintenance of rural improved water sources. On the basis of this finding, the study recommends that the District Assembly, as the local government authority, adopt innovative engagement strategies with various identifiable community stakeholders in order to achieve long-term participation of households for ensuring the sustainability of improved water sources.

Source: UCC
Determinants of Human Resource Information System Adoption; Evidence from University of Health and Allied Sciences and Ho Technical University

The purpose of this study was assessing the determinants of HRIS adoption in tertiary institutions and also to identify the challenges associated with the process. The study was conducted within UHAS and HTU. The specific objectives that guided the study were to assess effect of organisational characteristics on HRIS adoption UHAS and HTU. In addition, the study sought to assess the effect of top management involvement on HRIS adoption UHAS and HTU. Also, the study sought to assess the effect human resource characteristics and HRIS adoption UHAS and HTU and finally assess challenges associated with HRIS adoption UHAS and HTU. The study was a descriptive study which adopted a quantitative methodology. The population size was 75 staffs from HTU and UHAS HR and ICT staffs and the entire population (census) was used with a response rate of 84%. With respect to the first objective, the result showed that organisational characteristics has a positive influence on HRIS adoption. The second research objective showed that top management involvement had a positive effect on HRIS adoption. The third objective also showed that human resource characteristics has a positive influence on HRIS adoption. The results showed that comparatively, top level management involvement had a positive influence on HRIS adoption larger than the two other determinants. The results also showed that lack of management support is the most common challenge associated with HRIS and the least challenge is resistance by employees. This study recommends that management practices in the institutions concerning HRIS should facilitate adoption of information system among employees using the HRIS.

Source: UCC
Determinants of innovation among, micro, small and medium scale enterprises in the Ghanaian apparel industry

The ability to innovate technology represents the highest degree of development of an industrial society. However, there has not been much research focused on innovation of a firm, especially in the apparel manufacturing industries in Ghana. The purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of innovation within the context of the apparel industry, using cross sectional data collected on fifty apparel firms selected from the Accra Metropolis in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. In order to understand the learning of innovation at the firm level, the evolutionary framework was adopted. Also, a logistic model was used in the analysis of the innovation behaviour of the fifty respondent firms. The results revealed that age of a firm positively influences process innovation but negatively influences product innovation. The result revealed that the share of export in sales and the experience of entrepreneur are positively related to product and process innovation but training duration was positively related to innovation. On the other hand, the results indicated that the firm size, extent of local ownership, training duration, and lack of financial resources did not have significant effects on product and process innovation. In order to aid the innovation activity by firms, explicit policy framework should be adopted. The elements of the policy framework are: introduction of national apprenticeship and starting of firm scheme; annual awards or sponsorships; industrial leave for upgrade courses from higher institutions or industrial attachment in other countries; and increase the awareness on AGOA.

Source: UCC
Determinants of Internal Audit Effectiveness in Decentralized Local Government Administrative Systems

This paper examines the determinants of internal audit effectiveness in decentralized local government administrative systems of Ghana. Ghana’s local government system is structured into metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs). For the purpose of the study, we focused on the Ashanti region of Ghana which has the highest number of MMDAs. The motivation for the study is derived from the increased interest in the internal audits of local government units. Using a descriptive survey, the data gathered, through the use of questionnaire, revealed that majority of the internal audit staff of MMDAs in the Ashanti Region of Ghana possess the requisite professional proficiency. Contrary to the perception that audit quality in the public sector is usually compromised, the study revealed that there exists high quality of audit work due to compliance with the international standards on auditing and local audit legislations. Professional proficiency, organizational independence, and career advancement were found to have statistically significant positive relationship with internal audit effectiveness, whiles top management support was found to have no effect on internal audit effectiveness.

Source: UCC