ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the awareness level of collective investment schemes among formal workers in Ghana

Workers dream of a happy retirement after work. Therefore, workers need to plan adequately and ensure that they can meet their future needs after retirement. Currently, all Ghanaian formal workers are mandated to make monthly SSNIT contributions throughout their working life till they retire. However, the SSNIT payments are not enough to maintain the lifestyle and cater for the needs of workers after retirement. The study discusses Collective Investment Schemes as an alternative source of income which can help workers with retirement. The research explored the awareness level of the fund schemes among formal workers using questionnaires and google forms. The findings revealed that the majority of formal workers were aware of fund schemes. Despite this, nearly half of formal workers do not invest in the fund schemes due to a lack of proper understanding. Alternatively, investors in fund schemes considered safety and returns before investing. The Pearson’s Chi-square test revealed that there was a significant relationship between educational level and the awareness level of fund schemes among formal workers. The findings reveal that mutual fund agencies need to market their products better for workers to have a full understanding to invest in them. Additionally, formal workers should have alternative sources of income to supplement their salaries and invest towards having a good retirement. SSNIT contributions should be channelled into fund scheme accounts in order to grow the income of workers to help with their retirement.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the Effect of Ai-integrated Services on Customer Satisfaction and Service Delivery in Fintech Companies in Ghana

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Financial Technology (FinTech) is transforming service delivery and customer interactions globally. Ghana, showing a steady transition towards a cashless economy, and with a significant percentage of the population adopting Fintech services for transactions and payments, presents unique opportunities and challenges with the adoption of AI in FinTech. This study investigates the potential impact of AIintegrated services on customer satisfaction and service delivery within Ghanaian FinTech companies and Fintech users. Key findings from this mixed methods study using primary data through interviews and experimental survey revealed that AI technologies, and AI-driven security features can significantly enhance customer satisfaction by offering personalized, efficient, and secure financial services. AI-driven security features were found to play a crucial role in building customer trust, especially among older individuals with more stable incomes, who scored higher with AI adoption in the case experiments compared to younger demographics with regards to satisfaction and financial inclusion. The study also highlights barriers to AI adoption, such as digital literacy, cost implications, and regulatory challenges, which hinder widespread integration. Additionally, while AI integration positively impacts financial inclusion, the effect is more pronounced in urban areas due to better digital literacy and access to technology.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the effect of inequality on sectoral economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

Inequality has received much attention over the recent years due to its numerous effects on growth in an economy. Existing studies on the effects on inequality have been widely documented especially on economic growth. However, most of these studies have focused on inequality and economic growth at the aggregate level, while little consideration is given to sectoral growth. Therefore, this paper examines the relationship between inequality and growth in the agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors for the sub-Saharan Africa region. The study employed the Ordinary Least Squares regression model on pooled crosssectional data from 30 SSA countries with their most recent available data. The results revealed that a significant negative relationship exists between inequality and growth in the manufacturing sector. On the other hand, a negative non-significant relationship was found between inequality and agricultural growth and a positive insignificant relationship for the service sector. Ultimately, the significant negative relationship found implies that in the presence of high inequality, growth in the manufacturing sector is reduced. Hence, in the fight against inequality, policy makers and government bodies must gear their redistributive and welfare efforts more towards the manufacturing sector.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the Effect of Special Education Initiatives on Learning Outcomes and Employment Opportunities: A Case of Visually Impaired Students in Ghana.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in Ghana passed over 40 years ago, has led to increased student enrollment and funding in special education. Despite the improvement and significant interest and support from successive governments since Ghana’s independence, academic achievement, and employment opportunities for the visually impaired are still alarmingly low. As such, this qualitative study investigated the effects of special education initiatives on learning outcomes and employment opportunities of visually impaired students in Ghana. The study involved 26 graduated visually impaired students in Ghana, selected using purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Primary non-numeric data was collected through semi-structured interviews, and a thematic analysis was used to interpret the data alongside participants’ responses and literature reviews. The findings revealed that in Ghana, existing special education initiatives, including inclusive education, specialized teachers, assistive technologies, and disability common funds, help visually impaired students acquire good academic learning outcomes, making them employable. These academic outcomes, such as communication, computer literacy, social skills, and problem-solving, help them secure job placements, such as professional teachers like language teachers, report writers, news presenters, and D.J.s However, the findings also highlighted that relying solely on academic learning outcomes leaves most visually impaired students out of the workforce. Additionally, societal influences like discrimination, cultural beliefs, and job unavailability contribute to their unemployment. Therefore, the study recommends that the government should reinforce the Ghana Disability Act 2006, capitalize on vocational training programs, and include career sessions and services in their educational curriculum to inform organizations about their employment capabilities.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the Effectiveness and Impact of Fintech Credit Scoring Models on Financial Inclusion in Ghana – A Focus on Customer Perspectives

In Ghana, a significant disparity exists in access to formal financial services, exacerbated by traditional banking systems that often exclude marginalized populations. For instance, Geiger (2017) reports that only 58% of the general Ghanaian population had access to formal financial accounts in 2017 FinTech companies, leveraging Ghana's extensive mobile phone usage presents a new pathway to financial inclusion, challenging the status quo of the provision financial services and offering services such as loans based on novel credit scoring systems. This thesis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of FinTech credit scoring models in enhancing financial inclusion against the backdrop of Ghana's high mobile phone usage. This research focuses on assessing how general FinTech credit scoring methods compare with traditional commercial bank methods. The study investigates the effectiveness and reliability of FinTech credit scoring models in Ghana by focusing on the perspective of customers. It also examines the contribution of Fintech credit scoring models to financial inclusion and their role in narrowing the gap among underserved populations. By conducting interviews with customers with experience in Fintech loan apps as well traditional bank loans, this qualitative research provides insights into the impact of FinTech credit scoring on financial inclusion in Ghana from the perspective of the customer. This study explores the impact of FinTech credit scoring models on financial inclusion in Ghana, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8, which promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the effects of load shedding (dumsor) on SMEs and the coping strategies used to survive load shedding in Madina, Accra

The availability of electricity is an important factor for the improvement of any economy. However, the unreliable supply of electricity in Ghana, has led to several periods of electricity load shedding. This negatively affects the operations of businesses, especially Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SME). In Madina, a suburb of Accra, businesses seem to be surviving the effects of the current load shedding exercise (called “dumsor” in the local Twi language). The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of the recent load shedding exercise on SMEs in Madina and what they are doing to cope with the effects. The research design employed was explorative and used quantitative and qualitative data obtained through the purposive, non-probabilistic sampling of 31 SMEs located in Madina. Content and graphical analyses were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that the load shedding of electricity negatively affects the operations and growth of SMEs. The negative effects included increase in operating cost; loss of production time; loss of revenue; decrease in productivity; damage to plant equipment; increased expenditure; reduction in labour force and overnight work. The coping strategies businesses adopted to minimize the negative effects included: electric generators, reduction in labour force, early closure, solar power, uninterrupted power supply, power banks, inverters and voltage stabilizers. Given the contribution of SMEs to the economy and the significant negative impact load shedding has on their operations, Ghana’s growth will be stifled if the problem of load shedding is not permanently resolved.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the Efficacy of Blockchain Digital Point-of-Sale (POS) With Credit Reward Systems for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Accra, Ghana

The study assesses the efficacy of blockchain digital Point-of-Sale (POS) systems with credit reward systems for enhancing credit access among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Accra. SMEs constitute 92% of all registered enterprises in Ghana, creating about 85% of jobs and generating 75% of the country’s GDP. Despite their significance, SMEs face substantial challenges in accessing credit. This research aims to evaluate the impact of blockchain POS systems on SME credit access and growth, identify the challenges in adoption, and understand the factors influencing perceived ease of use. The research employed quantitative research design, the study utilizes multivariate multiple linear regression on data collected from SMEs in various sectors across Accra. The study draws on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Resource Based Theory (RBT) to analyze data collected through online questionnaires administered to SMEs. Regression analysis reveals significant relationships between the adoption of blockchain POS systems with credit reward and variables such as perceived usefulness and technological readiness. However, perceived ease of use was not a significant determinant of adoption. The findings suggest that blockchain technology holds promise for improving financial inclusion for SMEs by offering secure, transparent, and efficient transaction processes. Policymakers are advised to focus on enhancing technological readiness and perceived usefulness to encourage the adoption of blockchain solutions. The study also highlights the need for further research to explore additional factors such as organizational culture and management support, which could influence the successful implementation of blockchain technology in the SME sector. This research provides valuable insights for stakeholders aiming to leverage blockchain technology to foster SME growth and sustainability in Ghana.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the entrepreneurial climate at Ashesi University and how it affects the academic performance of student entrepreneurs

This research explores how student entrepreneurs can effectively manage their businesses in order to maintain academic success during their 4-years undergraduate education. It is a case study of student entrepreneurs at Ashesi University. This research seeks to answer the question whether the time student entrepreneurs spend on their business affect their academic performance, and whether these student entrepreneurs are able to meet graduation prerequisites regardless of the demands of their business. This research seeks to find the cause of that gap and make the required recommendations. A mixed methods research design was used. Interviews conducted with the dean of students, career services indicated that students at the institution deal with a lot in terms of academics demands, but they believe it is for the good of the students. They believe that Ashesi students will do well in the working world and be able to compete well with students in other institutions, and even in the international level. Interviews with three alumni and three current students corroborated that the university is currently conducive for student businesses due to the new systems and structures which have been put in place. Also, the main reasons why majority of the students have not been able to pursue their business ideas is because they want to focus on their academics, which is; working on their numerous but intense assignments and projects, as well as preparing for their regular quizzes. Furthermore, achieving and maintain academic success is the top priority of majority of the students at the institution.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the feasibility and potential contributions of cashew as a cash crop for rural farmers in Northern Region: A case study of Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District in the Northern Region of Ghana

In the Northern part of Ghana, most people engage in agriculture as their main source of earning a living. Farmers in the north of Ghana produce mainly food crops such as yams, millet, Guinea-corn and maize which contributes little to their income levels. On the other hand, local farmers in the southern part of Ghana produce cash crops especially cocoa in addition to food crops. This differences in crops production have created a persistent income disparity among farmers in the north and those in the southern part of Ghana. The research sought to assess the potential contribution of cashew production in the northern part of Ghana as a cash crop through a case study in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District. The study revealed that on average, a cashew farmer in the study area could earn above GHC 2,000 per harvest during the cashew season. This would be enough to improve their income levels. Also, the most pressing challenges faced by cashew farmers include the following: labor unavailability; unstable cashew prices; land scarcity, lack of capital for investment, bush fire, and theft. Lessons from the cocoa sector that could be integrated into the cashew value chain include regulation of cashew by COCOBOD; technology such artificial pollination, mass spraying and the use of machines for spraying; and finally, agriculture extension services To resolve these challenges, the MoFA at the district level should be provided with resources to train more agriculture agronomists. Social enterprises such in the form of microfinance could be established to provide cashew farmers with credit facilities.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the impact of body weight discrimination in employability and work life culture in the Ghanaian Work Environment.

Body weight discrimination is a significant issue impacting employability and work culture in Ghana. This study aims to investigate the effects of weight discrimination on employability and professional advancement across three sectors: education, retail, and real estate/construction. Inspired by personal encounters with appearance-related biases, the research uses theoretical frameworks such as Obesity Stigma/Perceptions of Obesity, Hiring Discrimination, Workplace Discrimination, and Weight Stereotypes to examine the interplay between appearance bias, cultural norms, and societal expectations. Employing a qualitative approach, data was collected from twelve participants using open-ended questionnaires and in-depth interviews within three companies: The Morning Star School, Amalena Children’s Haven, and Mightymax Properties. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and patterns. The findings reveal significant sector-specific differences in weight discrimination. In the real estate and construction industry, obese individuals face pronounced challenges in hiring, promotions, and professional development. Conversely, the retail and education sectors exhibit less weight discrimination, prioritizing qualifications, and job performance over physical appearance. Additionally, weight discrimination extends to perceptions of leadership competence, with overweight individuals often being overlooked for leadership roles, which limits their professional growth and perpetuates inequality. The study's contributions emphasize the importance of implementing diversity and inclusion training, promoting health and wellness programs, establishing clear antidiscrimination policies, and raising awareness to foster a supportive and equitable work environment for all employees.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the Impact of Solar Photovoltaic Panel Adoption on Production Costs for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Accra

The main objective of this research is to analyse how the adoption of solar photovoltaic panels impacts production costs in small and medium-sized enterprises in Accra compared to those that do not. The research further investigates the barriers to solar photovoltaic adoption by SMEs in Accra while providing a solution. Empirical reviews show that most research on adopting solar photovoltaic panels focused on Ghana's urban and rural households. However, little to no research has been conducted on solar photovoltaic adoption by small and medium-scale businesses within Accra. This research utilizes the quantitative approach by using an independent Sample T-test to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between production cost (dependent variable) and the adoption of solar photovoltaic panels (independent variable). Th e independent sample T-test was used to identify the strength of the association between the adoption of solar photovoltaic panels and the reduction in production cost. The results of this research would be helpful to businesses, entrepreneurs, and governments formulate their energy policy. The independent samples t-test revealed a t-value of 1.325 with 29 degrees of freedom and a p-value of 0.196, indicating that the difference in cost reduction between adopters and non-adopters is not statistically significant at the 0.05 level. The primary barrier to adopting solar PV panels was the initial investment cost, cited by 54.8% of respondents, with other significant barriers including a lack of knowledge about solar energy, uncertainty about the reliability of solar energy, and limited space for panel installation.

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the impact of training on employee performance in the public sector: A case study of Volta River Authority (VRA)

The employees of an organization are likened to the bloodstream of the firm. Thus, the quality of the human resource of an organization is essential to its success. This can be achieved through training. The importance of training can be appreciated with a clear understanding of its direct impact on employee performance and benefit to the firm. It is in this respect, the Volta River Authority (Ghana) was analyzed to establish a correlation between its training programmes and the performance of the employees. Data was collected through printed open-ended questionnaires administered to trained junior staff and face-to-face interviews with the line managers in the chosen departments. The findings were analyzed using Donald Kirkpatrick's model of evaluating training and performance. The organization carries majority of its training on the VRA premises rather than train them outside the organization. Also, majority of the employees at VRA receive work specific training that is training relevant to their job needs. The feedback from the line managers generally indicated that the impact of the training was positive. However, the opportunity to compare the responses of the employees to that of their actual performance on the basis of the balance scorecard as a measuring tool was not permitted

Source: Ashesi
Assessing the Impact of Treasury Bill Rate and Exchange Rate on the Performance of the Ghana Stock Exchange (Gse) in Economic Downturn

This study investigates the impact of treasury bill rate, exchange rate fluctuations and inflation on the performance of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) from 2020 to 2023. The study addresses the problem of the poor performance of the GSE within this period, most notably in 2022. The trend in existing literature has established a relationship between treasury bills, exchange rate and inflation. However, there exists a gap as little research has been done on all sectors in the GSE. This study aims to provide understanding of the influence of macroeconomic variables on the stock market, incorporating all sectors within the context of Ghana’s unique economic situation marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war and the Domestic Debt Exchange Program. Using a multivariable regression analysis, the findings revealed that there exists a statistically significant positive relationship between treasury bills, exchange rate and stock market performance which is contrary to existing literature. However, possible explanations to these results can be associated to the increase in investor confidence due to the Extended Credit Facility from IMF. Also, the adverse effect of the DDEP on the bond market caused investments to shift from the bond market to equities. The study further revealed a statistically insignificant negative relationship between inflation and stock market performance. The policy implications includes managing treasury bills rates to encourage investment in other areas of the economy such as the stock market. Furthermore, exchange rate should be managed to benefit the overall economy of Ghana and not only to export-based companies on the GSE.

Source: Ashesi